Juventus Parts Ways with Motta Amid Disappointing Season

TURIN, Italy — Juventus has parted ways with head coach Thiago Motta less than 300 days after his appointment, following a disappointing season that saw the team eliminated from multiple competitions and struggling in Serie A.

Motta, who took the reins on June 12, 2024, was expected to lead Juventus through a long-term project aimed at restoring the club’s glory. However, after 284 days and no major titles, the club’s management decided to terminate his contract.

Under Motta’s leadership, Juventus faced a series of setbacks, including early exits from both the Champions League and Coppa Italia at the hands of PSV Eindhoven and Empoli, respectively. Currently, Juventus sits one point behind fourth place in Serie A, having failed to score in their last two matches while conceding seven goals.

The team’s struggles were evident as early as January, when they faced a 2-1 defeat against Napoli, their first league loss of the season. Despite earlier victories against teams like Manchester City and RB Leipzig, Juventus couldn’t maintain consistency, often dropping points in critical matches, including draws against teams in the relegation battle.

Motta’s tenure appeared promising at first, epitomized by a spirited comeback to defeat RB Leipzig 3-2, even after they were reduced to ten men. However, that win marked a turning point, with subsequent performances lacking the same intensity.

As the season progressed, internal conflicts began to surface, notably between Motta and some key players, including Danilo and Dusan Vlahovic. The captaincy situation became a point of contention, as Motta failed to appoint a permanent captain until well into the new year, leading to instability within the squad.

Vlahovic, who has been Juventus’ top scorer, has seen limited playing time this year, which has fueled speculation about his future with the club. Reports indicate he has started only one Serie A match since the turn of the year, a drastic change from earlier in the season.

With Juventus out of the running for domestic titles and struggling to secure a Champions League spot, the club’s management held meetings this week to discuss the future direction. Motta’s dismissal follows a crucial series of setbacks, including a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Atalanta, marking their worst home loss since 1967.

As the club seeks to rebuild, it appears they have already identified potential replacement options. Roberto Mancini, recently out of a stint with the Saudi Arabian national team, has reportedly accepted a four-month contract to take charge of Juventus, contingent on securing a Champions League qualification.

Mancini’s experience and previous success with Serie A clubs make him a favorable candidate to revive Juventus’s fortunes, which have been marred by inconsistent performances this season. Under his leadership, Juventus hopes to navigate the last nine games and secure a place in Europe’s elite competition.

While Motta may bear the brunt of this underwhelming season, the club’s leadership, including sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, must also address the failures that led to a disappointing campaign for one of Italy’s most prestigious football clubs.