Thiago Motta`s time as Juventus manager has come to an end. The club has decided to terminate his contract before the season concludes, replacing the former Bologna coach. Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has chosen Igor Tudor, previously with Lazio, to take over as caretaker manager until the end of the current season.
Juventus officially announced Motta`s dismissal on Sunday, thanking him and his staff for their dedication and professionalism during their time at the club and wishing them well for the future. They also confirmed the appointment of Igor Tudor, stating he would begin his duties on Monday, March 24th.
Tudor is familiar with Juventus, having played for the team and served as Andrea Pirlo`s assistant coach in the 2020-21 season. Before returning to Juventus, he managed Hellas Verona, Olympique Marseille, and briefly Lazio after Maurizio Sarri`s resignation. Despite initially being intended to lead a new project at Lazio, Tudor left after just three months, and Lazio later hired Marco Baroni for the summer of 2024.
Motta`s tenure at Juventus was considered unsuccessful, especially given the high expectations following his appointment to usher in a new era after Massimiliano Allegri`s departure. Although Juventus remained in contention for a Champions League spot, they were eliminated from the Coppa Italia by Empoli and from the Champions League playoffs by PSV Eindhoven.
Beyond results, Motta struggled to replicate the exciting and effective football he implemented at Bologna last season, where he guided the team to their first-ever Champions League qualification. Furthermore, reports suggest dissatisfaction among key players like Dusan Vlahovic and Kenan Yildiz with Motta`s coaching.
Igor Tudor`s debut as Juventus coach will be next week in Turin against Genoa, following the international break. He is expected to lead 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. Juventus` recent Serie A performances, including conceding seven goals and scoring none in the last two matches against Fiorentina and Atalanta, contributed to the decision to replace Motta. The 4-0 home defeat to Atalanta was particularly damaging, marking their worst home loss in Serie A since 1967. These results strained the relationship between the fans and Motta, prompting the club`s swift action.
