By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GettyImages.
Serie A giants have sacked manager Massimiliano Allegri with immediate effect and are expected to replace him with Thiago Motta.
Allegri led Juve to a 1-0 win over Atalanta in Wednesday’s domestic cup final at the Stadio Olimpico, the Bianconeri’s first major trophy since they won the same competition in 2021.
However, cup glory was not enough to save Allegri’s job after a staggering collapse in the second half of Juve’s 2023-24 Serie A campaign.
In a statement, “The club announces that it has relieved Massimiliano Allegri of his duties as coach of the men’s first team.
“The dismissal follows certain behaviours during and after the Coppa Italia final that the club deemed incompatible with the values of Juventus and with the behaviour that must be held by those who represent it.
Allegri lost his cool in stoppage time when he grew angry at a decision, ripped off his jacket and earned a red card for sarcastically applauding the referee. Juventus beat Atalanta 1-0.
“A period of collaboration which began in 2014 and restarted in 2021 for three more seasons together comes to an end.
“The club wishes Massimiliano Allegri the best of luck in his future projects.”
Juve were neck-and-neck with Inter at the summit at the turn of the year, but they are not even assured of a top-four finish with two games remaining following a run of five straight draws.
They are guaranteed Champions League football for 2023-24 due to Italian clubs’ performances in Europe this term, but Allegri will not lead them on their return to Europe’s elite club competition.
Motta – who has led Bologna to Champions League qualification – has been strongly linked with the role, with Allegri’s position being questioned throughout the last few months.