Veteran Italian manager Luciano Spalletti is set to make a sensational return to club football as Juventus have reached an agreement for him to replace the recently sacked Igor Tudor.
The 66-year-old, who famously guided Napoli to their first Serie A title in over 30 years in 2023, has reportedly agreed to a contract running until June 2026. The deal includes an automatic one-year extension if Juventus qualify for the Champions League.
According to reports, Spalletti is expected to be at the Allianz Stadium for Wednesday’s Serie A fixture against Udinese, although interim coach Massimo Brambilla will oversee the match. His official unveiling and first press conference are scheduled for Thursday, with his first game in charge likely to be against Cremonese this weekend.
Tudor’s dismissal came after a disappointing run of eight winless games, culminating in a 1–0 loss to Lazio that left the club sitting eighth in the Serie A table, nine points behind leaders Napoli.
Spalletti while speaking about the prospect of joining the Bianconeri, Spalletti acknowledged both the prestige and pressure of the role.
“Whoever replaces Tudor will be lucky,” he said. “Juventus is a great club with a great history. I think anyone would be happy to coach them, it’s an opportunity any manager would cherish.”
The Tuscan-born tactician has been out of work since June following his departure from the Italian national team after a disappointing start to World Cup qualifying. Known for his tactical intelligence and attacking philosophy, Spalletti’s title-winning run with Napoli remains one of the most admired achievements in modern Serie A history.
Reports from Il Bianconero suggest Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini played a crucial role in bringing Spalletti to the club. Both men reportedly share a common vision of blending competitive football with the development of young talent.
Spalletti’s first task will be to restore confidence and end Juve’s winless streak as the team struggles to find form and identity. His immediate schedule includes crucial league fixtures against Fiorentina and Inter Milan, as well as must-win Champions League group matches.
For Spalletti, this appointment represents more than just another job, it’s a chance for redemption. After a short and turbulent tenure with the Italian national team, he now has an opportunity to reaffirm his status as one of Italy’s finest tactical minds.
His structured pressing, fluid attacking play, and meticulous preparation could breathe new life into a Juventus side desperate to reclaim its glory days.
If Spalletti guides the team back into the Champions League, his contract will automatically extend, a fitting reward for restoring belief in Turin.
Juventus fans now await his debut, hoping that the man who conquered Naples can lead their beloved Bianconeri back to the top of Italian and European football.
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