Juventus hires Thiago Motta away from Bologna

FC Juventus released a statement announcing that it has entrusted leadership of the team to Thiago Motta. The Turin club has thus begun a new technical projec following the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri.

Motta, 41, has signed a three-year contract through June 30, 2027, with a salary of around 4 million euros plus bonuses.

Below are the first statements released by Thiago Motta as new coach of the Bianconero club:

"I am really happy to begin a new experience at the helm of a great club like Juventus. I thank the owners and the management who I assure of all my ambition to keep the Juventus colors high and make the fans happy."

Thiago Motta came into the spotlight during the past two seasons by leading a modest Bologna side into the upper reaches of the Serie A table. Motta quickly converted the team's outlook. Whereas in previous years, the Rossoblu to heights never before seen

In Motta's first season in charge, Bologna finished in ninth with a club-record 54 points. The Italian-Brazilian followed that up by guiding Bologna to a fifth-place finish in the standings and a new club record of 68 points. The performance ensured a UEFA Champions League berth for the first time since the 1964-65 campaign.

Motta started his coaching career at Genoa, taking over after Aurelio Andreazzoli was fired in October 2019. Motta lasted only 10 matches (posting a 2-3-5 record) with the club mired in last place.

Motta next was hired by Spezia (2021-2022) where he enjoyed decent results with a team that was widely touted for relegation. Instead, the manager gradually turned the club's fortunes around, even winning Serie Manager of the Month in January. The club avoided relegation and Motta jumped ship to take the Bologna job.

The Brazilian-born Motta enjoyed an illustrious playing career with Barcelona, Parish Saint-Germain and Juventu's main rivals, Inter Milan. He also earned 40 caps with Italy and earned a silver medal with the Azzurri at the 2012 European Championship. He also helped Inter Milan win a historic treble under José Mourinho's management in 2009-10.