Thiago Motta`s time as manager of Juventus has come to an end. The Italian club has terminated his contract before the season`s conclusion, announcing the decision to replace the former Bologna coach. Following Motta`s dismissal, Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has chosen Igor Tudor, previously head coach of Lazio, as the interim manager until the season`s end.
Juventus released a statement on Sunday, stating: `Juventus FC announces the termination of Thiago Motta`s role as Men`s First Team coach. The club expresses gratitude to Thiago Motta and his staff for their professionalism and dedication during their time, wishing them success in their future endeavors. Juventus FC also announces Igor Tudor as the new head coach for the men`s first team, with his first training session scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, March 24th.`
Igor Tudor, a former Juventus player and assistant to Andrea Pirlo in the 2020-21 season, returns to the club after managing Hellas Verona, Olympique Marseille, and a brief period at Lazio following Maurizio Sarri`s resignation. Despite initially being intended to lead a new chapter at Lazio, Tudor left after three months, and Lazio subsequently appointed Marco Baroni as head coach in the summer of 2024.
Motta`s tenure at Juventus proved unsuccessful, despite high expectations following his appointment to usher in a new era after Massimiliano Allegri`s departure. While Juventus remained in contention for a Champions League spot, they were eliminated from the Coppa Italia by Empoli and from the UEFA Champions League playoffs by PSV Eindhoven.
Beyond results, Motta struggled to replicate the exciting brand of football that characterized his time at Bologna, where he led the club to their first-ever UEFA Champions League qualification. Furthermore, reports suggest dissatisfaction among key players like Dusan Vlahovic and Kenan Yildiz.
Juventus will face Genoa in Turin next week after the international break, marking Tudor`s debut on the Juventus bench. He is expected to manage the team at least until the end of the FIFA Club World Cup, where Juventus will compete against Manchester City, Wydad Casablanca, and Al-Ain in the group stage. In their last two Serie A matches against Fiorentina and Atalanta, Juventus conceded seven goals and scored none. The 4-0 home defeat against Atalanta was their worst home loss in Serie A since October 1967, contributing to growing fan discontent and prompting the club`s swift decision regarding Motta`s future.
Dominic Ashworth