In a whirlwind week for Juventus, the club has seen significant changes at the helm following the dismissal of Thiago Motta as head coach. Just days after his exit, reports have emerged linking him with potential new roles, including a position at Atalanta and a possible return to France, where he previously enjoyed a successful playing and coaching career.
Motta was officially sacked on Sunday, March 23, 2025, after a string of disappointing performances left the Turin giants languishing in fifth place in Serie A, just one point off the coveted top four. The club wasted no time in announcing his departure, with a statement released on the same day. By Monday, March 24, Motta and his staff had cleared their offices at Continassa, paving the way for Igor Tudor to take over as the new head coach.
Igor Tudor wasted no time in starting his new role, leading his first training session later that Monday evening. The former Juventus player, who has a reputation for tactical acumen, emphasized the need for immediate changes to invigorate the squad. "We’ve started down a path of change with many new players, and this may have slowed the growth of the team. But when you’re at Juve, you have to win and grow quickly," Tudor stated during his introductory press conference on Thursday, March 27.
Tudor, 46, expressed his desire to implement an attacking style of play while maintaining a solid defensive structure. "I want people to have fun. I always want to score one more goal. I like attacking with many players, but I also don’t want to concede goals," he remarked, adding that his tactical vision would take two to three weeks to fully implement. He also confirmed that Manuel Locatelli would remain as captain, citing his leadership qualities as essential for the team.
As Tudor prepares for his first match in charge against mid-table Genoa on Saturday, March 29, the pressure is on to deliver results quickly. Juventus fans are hopeful that the new manager can turn the tide and steer the club back into contention for a top-four finish.
Meanwhile, Motta's future appears to be a topic of discussion even before he has officially stepped away from management. Reports from Tuttosport suggest that he is among the candidates to replace Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta. Gasperini, who is under contract until the summer of 2026, has been linked with a potential move to AS Roma, which could open the door for Motta to step in at the Bergamo club.
Motta’s previous success with Bologna, where he demonstrated an ability to maximize the potential of lower-cost players, makes him an attractive option for Atalanta. His track record of identifying and developing talent, such as Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori, has garnered attention from various clubs looking to bolster their squads.
Additionally, there are whispers of Motta potentially returning to France, where he spent the latter part of his playing career and began his coaching journey with Paris Saint-Germain. His familiarity with the Ligue 1 landscape could benefit both him and any club looking to tap into his expertise.
The situation surrounding Motta and his next steps will be closely monitored as he seeks to reestablish himself in management. His swift exit from Juventus came after a season marred by inconsistency, and while he leaves the club, it appears that his managerial career is far from over.
The upcoming match against Genoa will be pivotal for Tudor as he seeks to make his mark at Juventus. With the team currently sitting just outside the Champions League qualification spots, every point will be crucial as the season progresses.
Juventus has a rich history and a passionate fanbase that expects nothing less than success. Tudor's approach will need to resonate with the players and fans alike if he hopes to bring back the glory days to the Allianz Stadium. His commitment to an attacking philosophy could reinvigorate a squad in need of inspiration and results.
As the Serie A season continues to unfold, all eyes will be on both Tudor’s tactical changes and Motta’s next career move. Will Tudor be able to lift Juventus back into the top four, or will Motta find success elsewhere? The coming weeks promise to be filled with intrigue and excitement for fans of Italian football.
In other news from the sports world, the Boston Red Sox celebrated a strong start to their season with a 5-2 Opening Day victory over the Texas Rangers on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Wilyer Abreu shone brightly, going 3-for-3 with two home runs, four RBIs, and three runs scored, showcasing the talent and potential of the Red Sox roster as they aim for a successful campaign.