Spalletti resumes club coaching at Juventus post Italy setback

On Thursday, Luciano Spalletti stepped back into football management after Juventus appointed him to succeed the dismissed Igor Tudor.

Juventus has handed Spalletti a contract through to the end of the current season, aiming for the 66 year old to secure a place in next years Champions League, with the deal extending to 30 June of the following year.

If he manages that feat, Spalletti could earn an extension to aid Juventus in reclaiming dominance in Italy, following their recent eclipse by rivals Inter Milan and Napoli.

Spalletti orchestrated Napolis groundbreaking Serie A triumph in 2023 and stands as one of Italys most impactful managers over the last two decades, exceeding expectations at both Roma and Inter Milan too.

That victory in Naples prompted Spalletti to ink Napolis emblem on his arm and declare he would not helm another Italian side after lifting the Scudetto following a 33 year drought.

Yet he re-enters club management, coinciding with what would have marked Diego Maradonas 65th birthday, after a dismal stint leading Italy, a role envisioned as the pinnacle of his storied career.

Spallettis tenure with Italy concluded in disgrace last June, marked by a failed Euro 2024 title defence and a heavy defeat to Norway in the Azzurriss debut fixture of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Juventus similarly stands at a pivotal moment, seeking direction amid recent turmoil defined by underwhelming on field performances and off field controversies.

Tudor himself arrived last season to rescue Juventus following the March dismissal of Thiago Motta, who was expected to usher in an age of fluid and victorious play upon succeeding Massimiliano Allegri.

Spalletti inherits a side that recorded 58 million euros in losses last term and has been hunting for stability internally since widespread board exits at the close of 2022, which triggered a financial probe resulting in a 10 point penalty the next year.

Ex chairman Andrea Agnelli faced substantial suspensions from the Italian Football Federation and received a 20 month suspended jail term last month via plea deal.

Juventus notched their initial win since mid September with Wednesdays 3-1 triumph over Udinese, leaving them seventh in Serie A, trailing leaders Napoli and Roma by six points.

Spallettis debut will come against unexpected contenders Cremonese, who rose from Serie B last campaign yet trail Italys premier club by merely one point and position after nine outings.