Juventus set to sack Andrea Pirlo after one season
The managerial merry-go-round has arrived early in Europe as reports are claiming that Juventus are ready to sack their manager, Andrea Pirlo.
Pirlo would join Zinedine Zidane and Antonio Conte as other high-profile names who have left their respective clubs.
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According to The Guardian, Juventus has decided to fire Pirlo after a disappointing season both domestically and in Europe. The club finished 13 points behind league winners Inter Milan and were bounced in the first round of the Champions League knockout phase by Porto.
They were also close to missing out on the Champions League altogether and needed a win on the last day, along with a Napoli draw, to qualify and avoid the Europa League.
The Vecchia Signora took a gamble when they first appointed Pirlo. He was initially brought on to manage the reserve side but was then thrust into the first team when they let go Maurizio Sarri.
A familiar face is strongly rumored to be taking over at Juventus
In a bit of a mea culpa, the name strongly favored to be Pirlo’s replacement is former manager Massimiliano Allegri.
Allegri, who managed the club from 2014-2019, was sacked in favor of Sarri as Juventus wanted to play a more attacking style of football. It didn’t work out with Sarri, despite winning Serie A in his one season, and it hasn’t worked out with Pirlo.
According to Goal, Allegri is set to take over and will sign a three-year contract. He was also rumored to be a strong candidate for the Inter Milan and Real Madrid job.
In the end, he’s opted to go back to Juventus where he will try to right the ship of a club who seems to be of two minds.
They want to play attacking, high-pressing football but are hindered somewhat by their star player Cristiano Ronaldo who is unlikely to want to do some of the dirty work considering he’s 36.
dark. Next. Antonio Conte and Inter Milan part ways
Allegri is a more pragmatic coach but his results as Juventus manager are unquestioned. Still, he’ll be tasked with the same objective that his predecessors were and that is to deliver them a Champions League trophy.