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What Juventus Can Expect from Former Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri Jul 17, 2014 When Massimiliano Allegri walked into Juventus Stadium as the club’s new coach, he looked like a man who was not only fortunate to be there, but also out of place. Everything happened quickly: Antonio Conte resigned two days into pre-season training, and Juventus needed a replacement—fast. Allegri was the most available of all the Italian managers. He had turned down a job with the Greece national team, and he was linked with West Ham (according to Italian magazine Panorama, via Football Italia) but he waited. No one could have expected him to get a top job like this. Allegri was fired as coach of AC Milan in January of 2014 after a 4-3 loss to tiny Sassuolo. He is known for winning the Scudetto in his first year with the Rossoneri, but as the club sold their players and lost their veterans, they started to fall. But Allegri was not innocent in it all: He used reductive and reactive tactics in games that mattered, he would not take control of matches, he would force his players to sit back, he would not allow his team to dictate games and go out to win them and his team played scared on the road—especially in the Champions League. No one player really spoke badly about Allegri while playing under him. The stories since have come out. Gianluca Zambrotta reveals in his autobiography that Zlatan Ibrahimovic almost got into a fight with Allegri during the second leg of a Champions League round of 16 match against Arsenal. They were losing 3-0 by half-time, Milan’s 4-0 aggregate lead almost eradicated from the first leg, and Allegri reportedly said “it doesn’t matter.” In that same game, Allegri kept two goalkeepers on the bench. “I didn’t have problems with Allegri the first year,” writes Zambrotta (h/t Football Italia), “but the second we lost the Scudetto due to mismanagement of the locker room.” Of course, Allegri meets one of those disgruntled players again. Andrea Pirlo left Milan once the manager made it clear that he could no longer play in front of the defence, where Pirlo has always thrived. The 35-year-old midfielder was basically told that “you can’t be Pirlo anymore.” It’s all in Pirlo’s own book, in which he reveals that he had a “normal kind of relationship” with Allegri. But the fact remains: When Milan won that Scudetto in 2011, there was little trust in Pirlo to do his job. So, like any ambitious player, he left. Now the same man who discarded Pirlo says he has a “great relationship” with him. This is a common thing. Allegri tends to say things that do not fit the situation. At Milan, he praised players who did not deserve praise. He criticized his only stars. He did not keep the locker room whole. He simplified the message and reduced objectives to the bare minimum. In 2013, when Milan were struggling to compete for a Champions League spot, Allegri told reporters (h/t Football Italia) that finishing in third place would be like winning the Scudetto. The most successful club in the world should not settle for third. It is this mentality that hurt the fans. There was also a problem with fitness. Clarence Seedorf joined Milan midway through last season, picking up Allegri’s ashes, and the Dutchman told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport (h/t FIFA.com) that “the fitness levels I found here were not optimal. It's normal to struggle when you are behind in fitness since the start of the season.” And Allegri is bringing that same fitness team with him. Allegri's lead assistant at Juve will be Marco Landucci & the athletic coach will be Simone Folletti (both worked with Max at Milan). The number of injuries was also inexplicably high while Allegri was coaching Milan. Perhaps he rushed his players back into action too soon. At times he played his stars when he should have rested him. A perfect example: losing Giampaolo Pazzini a few days before a big away game to Barcelona. Allegri decided to play Pazzini in a rather tepid game against Genoa, and the gamble failed. (Pazzini limped off the field that day in March of 2013, and he has never been the same since.) Mario Balotelli could not play in Europe, having already suited up in the Champions League for Manchester City, and so Milan had to rely on M’Baye Niang as their striker. Niang hit the post, and Milan were throttled 4-0. Then there were the times he put players in awkward positions. He turned a tactically naive Kevin Constant into a left-back, wasting Stephan El Shaarawy and forcing him to run back and cover in defence. Allegri played Urby Emanuelson everywhere but in goal. This coach had his pet projects. He would target players in the market who did not fit the team's needs. It was hard to decipher. Conte regularly rotated his squad, and Allegri is lacking in that category. Still, the Juventus squad he is inheriting is miles deeper than the last couple of Milan teams that he managed. He has the cast, and Juventus still have a very good chance of winning a fourth straight Scudetto. This is the best team in Italy with lots of class in defence, midfield and attack. They are not suddenly losing all of that. But there are doubts over the future of major players. Reports vary. Journalists from The Mirror and The Guardian say that no contact has been made between Manchester United and Juventus for coveted midfielder Arturo Vidal, but reports from Marca and elsewhere suggest that a deal is done for €44 million. Of course, Allegri would be “happy” to coach Vidal, Paul Pogba and all the others. That is beside the point. It is whether they are happy playing for him. Allegri does shout off the bench, but he does not inspire like Conte. He does not train like Conte. “When Conte speaks,” writes Pirlo in his book, “his words assault you.” For a group of players still shocked at Conte’s resignation—“I don’t know why he left,” said Gianlugi Buffon, according to Goal.com—the transition to Allegri will be just as jarring.

Former Juventus Sporting Director Questions Decision To Hire Allegri Jul 17, 2014 Former Juventus sporting director Luciano Moggi has questioned the decision to hire Massimiliano Allegri as a replacement to Antonio Conte. Conte resigned from his position as coach of the Bianconeri on Tuesday, after disagreeing with the club’s board. Speaking to Radio Crc show Si gonfia la rete, Moggi questioned the club’s decision to appoint Allegri, while also saying that Juve are still superior to Roma and Napoli. “A coach is not a pope,” he said. “Even if it’s difficult, he can be replaced. “Napoli won the Coppa Italia with a coach [Rafael Benitez] who has always come under criticism. “However, it is not conceivable that Allegri is the one who replaces Conte. “At this juncture, Roma and Napoli haven’t closed the gap on Juventus, but if the club start selling players then this will change. “Juventus will still win domestically, and with this group of players we’re capable of competing with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich. “Now, both Napoli and Roma will have more breathing space”. Moggi then shifted his focus to Napoli where he spoke about what the Partenopei lack in their squad. “The team is already strong,” he said. “However, Napoli need to recruit a midfielder who can dictate play”.

Allegri’s opportunity, Juve’s gain? Max Allegri’s appointment at Juventus doesn’t have everyone happy, but Luca Persico says the ingredients for success are there. Jul 17, 2014 “The objective is always to continue to win. We want to continue our cycle of victories.” The aim is clear for Massimiliano Allegri. The words of sporting director Giuseppe Marotta at the unveiling of the new Juventus Coach were patent and to the point. Having won the last three titles - one unbeaten and the most recent with a record points total of 102 - Juventus sit head and shoulders above everyone else in Serie A. Last term, Roma came second with 85 points. That would have won them the Scudetto in five of the last seven seasons, yet they were 17 points adrift of the Bianconeri. Departing Coach Antonio Conte has set a benchmark that is dauntingly high and leaves his replacement Allegri with an unenviable task - one that many believe he is under qualified for. Around 300 Juventus fans protested the former Milan man’s appointment outside the club’s headquarters yesterday evening, while a handful of leading ultras were even allowed into the grounds to vent their frustration. The message is clear, yet Allegri believes he can get the tifosi onside. “I understand the scepticism of the fans,” he insisted. “How to win them over? With results, work, respect and professionalism.” His first job will be to repair his relationship with Andrea Pirlo. It was Allegri, after all, who was a leading voice in allowing him to leave Milan for Juventus in the summer of 2011. The tactician started the charm offensive in his Press conference, noting that he is” “lucky to be working with him again.” Allegri gets a second chance with Pirlo due to a managerial resume that is smattered with several notable achievements. His promotion to Serie B with Sassuolo, in 2008, highlighted his potential as a promising Coach and he was subsequently snapped up by Cagliari. His debut season in Sardinia was successful - he led Cagliari to ninth - and he was awarded the Panchina d’Oro. Whilst surprisingly replaced towards the end of his second season with the Rossoblu, Allegri was handed his big break in June 2010, when Milan came calling. The Rossoneri had gone six seasons without winning the Scudetto, but with the goals of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexandre Pato and Robinho, Allegri was able to pip city rivals Inter to the title. That victory was supposed to be a building block, but the emergence of Conte’s Juventus, the subsequent sales of Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva and a lack of investment made Allegri’s job increasingly difficult over the next three seasons and he was eventually sacked in January. In those two-and-a-half seasons the followed the Scudetto victory, Allegri did, however, show good aspects of his coaching that will perhaps reassure Juventus fans. His ability to adapt and to find solutions with an incomplete squad and substandard players was vital in securing an unlikely third placed finish in the 2012-13 campaign. His clever, yet subtle tactical tweaks that earned famous wins over Arsenal and Barcelona will also be welcome at a club that has underwhelmed in the Champions League. He also arguably should have broken Juventus’ unbeaten run in Conte’s debut season, when Sulley Muntari’s goal was wrongly disallowed. Despite his successes, Allegri will know he has to adapt. He needs to be more assured and composed at crucial moments, while his training methods that have seemingly lead to injuries and questionable levels of fitness should be tweaked. The 46 year-old inherits a squad that is set in its ways and at its peak. Allegri cannot improve on what Conte’s achieved with them domestically, but he has to continue with the strong foundations that have been built and try to refresh where necessary. He will hope to win over the fans with an improved performance in the Champions League - the only competition Conte fell short in. To do that, he may switch to a back four - a decision that would be risky, but ensure that this is a Juventus that has his stamp on it. The timing of Conte’s departure has given Allegri an incredible opportunity he may not have otherwise got. His appointment is rightly questioned, but he has shown at Milan that when he has a settled squad at his disposal, he can win. Allegri will certainly find that at Juventus, while his ability to balance continuity with the right regeneration will determine whether he keeps the Old Lady at the top of Italian football.

Pirl-d'oh! Allegri takes over at Juventus Jul 17, 2014 After Antonio Conte's shock departure from Juventus, the Italian champions have moved swiftly to appoint former AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri. The news might not go down too well with every member of the bianconeri's squad, though, especially a certain Andrea Pirlo, who worked under the new Juve boss at San Siro. The Italy international, however, was deemed too old by his former team, and manager, and offered only a short term deal, prompting him to leave the club on a free transfer. Pirlo has since won three back-to-back Serie A titles, while Allegri was sacked by Milan, and both will hope their relationship can be more productive this time.

New Juventus Coach Takes First Training Session Jul 17, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri held his first training session as Juventus coach on Thursday, claiming that it is a ‘thrill’ to be back in football. The 46-year-old replaced Antonio Conte in the Bianconeri hot seat after Antonio Conte’s shock resignation on Tuesday. The former Cagliari coach was dismissed as AC Milan coach in January and took to Twitter to display his ecstasy at returning to coaching after his first training session with the club. “What a thrill to return to the field and direct training. I have missed it!,” wrote Allegri. “In the afternoon I took my first training at Juventus; I am charged for this new adventure.” The former Milan coach had been linked with the Italian national team job, but took the reins at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday despite scepticism from some supporters about the appointment.

Pirlo: Allegri Preferred Other Players Over Me At AC Milan Jul 17, 2014 The arrival of Massimiliano Allegri to Juventus has raised concern as to whether the new coach will get along with former player Andrea Pirlo. Allegri and Pirlo shared a difficult relationship during their time together at the San Siro as the AC Milan coach seemed to prefer Massimo Ambrosini and Mark van Bommel in the midfield position leading to the departure of Pirlo to Juventus in 2011. “The real reason for my transfer was that Allegri wanted to place Ambrosini or Van Bommel in front of the defence and I would have had to change positions,” Pirlo told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport in an interview in May 2012. “I said no thanks and I chose Juve, who offered what I felt was more motivation. It was not an economical issue. “Milan decided I was not needed anymore. I understood that right away during our talks. Allegri preferred other players in my position. The 46 year old coach won the Serie A title in his first year in charge of the Rossoneri in 2010-11 but a disappointing 2013-2014 campaign saw Milan finish eight and Allegri fired before the end of the season.

Galliani: Allegri a lucky man Jul 17, 2014 Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has described Max Allegri as a lucky man after he was hired as Juventus Coach. The new Bianconeri boss joins the Turin club following the resignation of Antonio Conte, having been sacked by the Rossoneri as recently as January. “Max is a lucky man, after four years at Milan he gets Juve,” Galliani is quoted as saying by giornalaccio rosa Dello Sport.

Allegri to start 'new adventure' Jul 17, 2014 Juventus’ first training session with Massimiliano Allegri at the helm is set to begin, and the Coach has revealed he can’t wait to start. The former Milan boss was named as Antonio Conte’s successor on Wednesday following the 44-year-old’s shock resignation on Tuesday. The Bianconeri acted quickly in hiring the ex-Cagliari man, and will this afternoon take charge of his debut session. The squad took part in some medical examinations this morning, but will take to the pitch for the first time within a matter of hours, under the guidance of Allegri. And the tactician tweeted in anticipation over lunch: “This afternoon is my first session at Juventus. The start of a new adventure. Fino alla fine!”

Allegri era begins at Juventus Jul 17, 2014 Training at Juventus at the start of new Coach Massimiliano Allegri’s era takes place for the first time today. The 46-year-old was quickly ushered in as the Bianconeri’s replacement for the departed Antonio Conte yesterday and then presented to the media. On from spending last night at the team hotel where the players are currently based for this first run of pre-season training, the tactician arrived at Vinovo this morning with his new charges. However, reports are that officially the morning training session was handled by the club’s physical trainer, as Allegri familiarised himself with the Turin club’s training complex and finalised details of his new coaching staff. It is believed that Allegri will personally direct a first training session with the team this afternoon, whilst speculation continues to suggest he will not look to change too much in set-up, including keeping the 3-5-2 formation, even if also seeing a switch to a back-four defence as an option to also consider. Allegri took to Twitter to comment on his return to work: “What a thrill to return to the field and direct training: I missed this!” Sky Sport Italia indicate that Allegri’s intention is to take Juve’s pre-season training retreat away from Turin. Yesterday evening saw the new Juve Coach face protests from around 300 angry supporters and apparently briefly meet five ultras, alongside director general Beppe Marotta.

Allegri: I don't have a problem with Pirlo The former AC Milan boss claims that he has a good relationship with the Italy international after they fell out during their time at San Siro. Jul 17, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri has insisted that he does not have a problem with Andrea Pirlo in the wake of his appointment as Juventus coach. Pirlo and Allegri have endured a difficult relationship ever since the midfielder left AC Milan in the summer of 2011, with the Italy international arguing that the 46-year-old preferred to play the likes of Massimo Ambrosini and Mark van Bommel in midfield, thus effectively forcing him out. The influential midfielder eventually went on to join Juventus, whom he guided to three consecutive Serie A titles, but Allegri's appointment as Antonio Conte's successor means the two are reunited three years after they last worked together. "I have always enjoyed a great relationship with him," Allegri said at a press conference. "Andrea was, and still is a champion. When he was at Milan with me, he went through that season which wasn't particularly lucky for him considering that it was plagued with injuries. But, in fact, he always played when he was fit. "Unfortunately, in football sometimes you think that things might go one way but eventually they take an unexpected turn or head in another direction. As I have explained a thousand times, in the end it just happened. The club, Andrea and I met and he decided to join Juventus and now I am lucky enough to link up with him again after three years. "He has enjoyed some unforgettable years here at Juve and now I consider myself lucky enough to find [myself working with] him once again. He had a great World Cup, played three fantastic seasons, so I am lucky. "I've never experienced any problem with Andrea and I can justifiably state that I've never called his qualities into question, otherwise people could justifiably say that I am a fool." Pirlo has a contract with Juventus until June 2016.

Galliani: 'Allegri will face his past' Jul 16, 2014 Adriano Galliani joked the Trofeo TIM will be “Max Day” as Allegri’s Juventus face Milan and Sassuolo. The tournament will take place at the Mapei Stadium on August 23 and is a series of 45-minute games. “Just think, at the Trofeo TIM Allegri will face his two former clubs, Sassuolo and Milan. He’s just missing Aglianese...” joked Galliani on Sportmediaset. “That’s how bizarre destiny can be.” Allegri was sacked by Milan in January and his replacement Clarence Seedorf also axed last month. He was a surprise pick to replace Antonio Conte on the Juventus bench this afternoon. “I spoke to him this morning and saw him leave for Turin,” added Galliani. “I won’t say any more, as he is employed by a different club now.” Milan CEO Galliani had often defended Allegri and reportedly convinced President Silvio Berlusconi to delay the sacking.

Allegri's girlfriend insulted Juve Jul 16, 2014 Max Allegri’s girlfriend may well regret insulting tweets she aimed at Juventus and Antonio Conte in 2012. Allegri was appointed new Coach of Juve this afternoon and Gloria Patrizi will follow her partner to Turin. However, the Corriere dello Sport dug into the archives to find some insulting tweets the ex-Playboy model posted about the Bianconeri in 2012. Milan and Juventus were challenging for the Scudetto when Sulley Ali Muntari’s ‘phantom goal’ crossed the line, but was not spotted by referee Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni. “Juve are the shame of Italy,” wrote Patrizi at the time. “Man of the match: Mazzoleni. #itstheonlywaytheycanwin “Oh just give a cigar and a hat to Conte and he becomes Al Pacino... Simply ridiculous!” Allegri turns 47 next month and has a rather complex history in gossip magazines, leaving his girlfriend on the day of their wedding in 1992, divorced air hostess wife Gloria after four years and in 2011 broke up with his girlfriend of eight years Claudia while she was expecting their son.

Juve fans protest Allegri Jul 16, 2014 Around 300 Juventus fans protested Max Allegri’s appointment as ultras hold talks with Beppe Marotta. The new tactician was presented to the media this afternoon and signed a two-year contract, replacing Antonio Conte. Many Bianconeri supporters are not happy with this choice and around 300 staged a protest in front of the Vinovo training ground. It is widely reported that five ultras representatives were allowed to enter Vinovo for private talks with the club directors, including director general Marotta and Allegri himself. The meeting lasted only a few minutes.

Abate and Astori in Allegri's Juve Jul 16, 2014 Max Allegri is said to have requested Ignazio Abate and Davide Astori for his new Juventus defence. The Coach took over from Antonio Conte this afternoon and, with pre-season training already begun on Monday, time is short to rebuild the team in his image. According to Sportmediaset, the ex-Milan tactician is looking to some of his old favourites to construct a four-man back line. The first target is current Milan full-back Abate, who would cost around €8m for a permanent transfer. Another addition could well be Cagliari centre-back Astori, who is also of interest to the likes of Inter, Southampton and Aston Villa. Players who could be on their way out are Italy internationals Andrea Barzagli and Angelo Ogbonna. Meanwhile, Sky Sport Italia claim Allegri has given the all-clear to go ahead with the purchase of Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid.

Allegri to follow Atletico example Jul 16, 2014 Max Allegri has called for Juventus to follow the example set by Atletico Madrid as they bid to improve in the Champions League. The new Old Lady Coach was speaking at a Press conference this afternoon to announce his appointment to succeed Antonio Conte. “I know the team because they have played good matches over these three years and I know the players perfectly well,” Allegri told reporters. “I will work on the character of the team and on a team that has done great things for three years. “It’s normal that in Italy Juventus should be favourites after three Scudetti in a row. We will need to see at the end of the window what the other teams have done. “We will be playing for the League right up until the end. In Europe there are big clubs, but through organisation and a good strategy in the transfer market, as Atletico Madrid have shown, we must have a great Champions League. “I believe Juventus should definitely be among the top eight clubs in Europe.” Allegri also said it is an honour to have taken over as boss of the Turin club and discussed potential signing Patrice Evra. “Above all I consider myself fortunate during the last four years to have coached Milan and now Juventus. Not everyone can do that. “I am excited because it’s the first day. I’m even a bit rusty in Press conferences, because it’s six months since I have done one! “For me, it repeat it’s an honour, more than anything in terms of trying to continue to win. “Evra is a player you cannot debate, he has done great things at Manchester United.”

Allegri happy to work with Pirlo Jul 16, 2014 Max Allegri has expressed his pleasure at having the chance to work with Andrea Pirlo again, having taken over at Juventus. The duo worked together while they were at Milan, before the Rossoneri controversially allowed the playmaker to move to Turin, where he has flourished ever since. Speaking at the Press conference to announce his appointment, Allegri however insisted that he has no problem with the Italy international and looks forward to linking up with him once again. “We will start with the assumption that I have a great relationship with Andrea,” he told reporters. “We haven’t spoken to each other because until this morning, I wasn’t the Coach of Juventus. “Regarding Andrea, he has been and is a champion. He was a champion at Milan with me until a year when he was unfortunate and had injuries. He always played and he had unforgettable years at Milan. “He is doing that again at Juventus, so I am lucky to be working with him again. “Unfortunately in football people think things are going a certain way when actually they are not like that at all. “That year [at Milan], Andrea suffered a series of injuries and it was hard for him to come back. “In the end, as I have explained many times, what happened happened. The club, Andrea and myself took the decision [that he would leave]. “Andrea took the decision to come to Juventus and luckily after three years I am back with him. “He has had three great seasons and I repeat, I am happy to be back with him and there have never been problems between us.”

Allegri understands fan scepticism Jul 16, 2014 Max Allegri understands why Juventus fans may not have taken too kindly to his appointment as the club’s new Coach. The former Milan boss has been chosen by the Old Lady hierarchy to replace Antonio Conte, who surprisingly resigned yesterday. “I understand the scepticism of the fans because in practically a day the Coach has changed at Juventus,” Allegri told reporters at a Press conference. “How to win them over? With results, work, respect and professionalism. Then, the fans would have a reason to recognise me. “I understand the importance of coaching Juventus, I did four years at Milan. I think I am ready and capable of continuing the results that Juventus have had over the last three years. “Maybe I can even look to improve them. “Regarding the fans, I repeat, it’s normal that at the moment there is a reaction to the change in Coach. “Even more so because Antonio Conte represented more than just a Coach in the last three years. He represented a lot for Juventus, both as a player and Coach. “As far as the team goes, they have dominated in Italy and this year they have done something extraordinary. “Obviously we will need to improve in the Champions League. The club has a strategy for the window, it is looking to strengthen the squad to make it even more competitive in Italy and in Europe.”

Allegri: A bolt from the blue Jul 16, 2014 New Juventus Coach Max Allegri admits the call made to him to take charge of the Bianconeri was a bolt from the blue. The former Milan boss replaces Antonio Conte in the Juve dugout, with the former Coach having only left his post yesterday evening. “From today we will begin to work together,” Allegri said at a Press conference today. “For me it’s an honour, it was a bolt form the blue when I was called yesterday to ask whether I was available to coach Juventus. “I am very happy and I know the importance of coaching Juventus. From tomorrow I will begin to work, together with the club, the players and the internationals who took part at the World Cup, in order to face up to an important and winning season. “To do this we need good organisation in our work, something that over the last three years the players and the Coach have shown. “Juventus is a club with history, tradition and a club which is constructing the present and future. “At this moment I need to think about both the present and the future, I have inherited a team that has been winning for three years. “I am here to put myself at the disposal of the club and the players, in order to contribute to this club continuing to win.”

Marotta: Allegri hired to win Jul 16, 2014 Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta insists new Old Lady Coach Max Allegri has been hired to continue the club’s recent success. The former Milan boss takes over from Antonio Conte, who guided the Bianconeri to three straight Scudetti during his spell in charge in Turin. “The objective is always to continue to win, so we had to act with extreme speed because the season started a few days ago,” Marotta said at the Press conference to announce Allegri’s unveiling. “So, we identified the person with the profile best suited to replacing a winning Coach like Antonio Conte. “Here with me is Max Allegri, who you know well. Max Allegri is a Coach who has shown he can win every time he has been called to. “He won the League with Sassuolo, he did very well with Cagliari at a club who see survival as the prime target. That year, he earned recognition by winning the Serie A Coach of the Year award. “Then, he was appointed by Milan and in his first year he won the Scudetto. We are opening this chapter with the principles and ideals that have been there throughout our history. “We want to continue our cycle of victories.”

Official: Juve hire Allegri Jul 16, 2014 Juventus have confirmed via social media that they have appointed Max Allegri to succeed Antonio Conte. The old boss’ shock resignation was confirmed yesterday evening and the Old Lady have acted swiftly in bringing the former Milan boss to Turin. “Allegri is the new manager of Juventus,” a brief note on the club’s Twitter account reads. Allegri will imminently be unveiled in his new role at a Press conference, due to begin at 15.00 CET.

Mancini: Juve didn’t approach me Jul 16, 2014 Roberto Mancini has revealed Juventus did not approach him regarding their coaching position, which has been taken by Max Allegri. Antonio Conte’s shock departure from the Old Lady hot-seat yesterday evening briefly left a vacant position, which has now been filled by the former Milan boss. “Juve never pursued me, maybe I cost too much!” Mancini is quoted as saying by La Repubblica. “It’s [Conte leaving] difficult to judge from the outside. The only thing that could be a problem is that the team were at the training camp with him. “Conte had been coaching them for three years and he knew what the problems could be.” Mancini added that he had no doubt Conte would soon be able to find a new club and also expressed his belief that Juve would move on without their successful Coach. “I was working abroad for many years and there are a lot of opportunities. Juve are a big club, like Milan, Inter and Napoli, who can win.”

Serie A fixture date announced Jul 16, 2014 Fixtures for the upcoming Serie A season will be announced on Monday July 28, it has been confirmed. ANSA have revealed that the games for the 2014-15 campaign will be drawn live on Sky Sport Italia in their studios in Milan. The opening matches of the season will be on August 31.