Juventus are reportedly poised to appoint Luciano Spalletti as their new manager, set to replace Igor Tudor following a difficult start to the season. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Italian coach has agreed terms on a one-year contract, with an extension option tied to the club’s progress in the Champions League.
The 66-year-old has been unattached since leaving his role as Italy’s national team coach in June. While the agreement is reportedly in place, Juventus has yet to make it official.
The timing comes as Juventus struggle in both Serie A and Europe. After three matchdays, they remain winless in the Champions League and sit outside the qualification places. Remaining fixtures include home games against Sporting, Pafos and Benfica, as well as away matches at Bodo Glimt and Monaco. While not the most formidable opposition on paper, Juventus cannot afford any slip-ups.
Domestically, Juve face Udinese on Wednesday, with the immediate goal to close the gap on the leaders. The club currently sits nine points behind the top and three points shy of the Champions League spots, one point outside European qualification overall.
Spalletti, widely regarded as one of Italy’s most experienced managers, would take charge of his fourth major club. His previous roles include Inter Milan, Roma and Napoli, where he won the Scudetto in his final season before taking charge of the national team, the Azzurri.