Socrates

Thiago Motta the Right but Not Riskless Hire for Juventus Next week should finally be the time for Juventus to announce Thiago Motta as their next coach and complete a chase that started months ago. The delay appears to be simply technical. The Bianconeri gave him some time to unplug after the season, but things have never been in doubt since Cristiano Giuntoli reached out to him. The first contacts may even date back to February, Alfredo Pedullà informs. The director started his pursuit once it became apparent that the Old Lady wouldn’t win the Scudetto, making it easy to move on from Massimiliano Allegri. It’s surely a masterstroke by the former Napoli director considering the challenges and underwhelming results of other coaching searches. ............ It doesn’t happen often for a candidate to perfectly fit what a team is looking for: modern tactics, ability to maximize the squad and groom youngsters, previous success in Serie A, relatively affordable wages, and ambition but necessarily eagerness to win immediately since he’s still fairly early in his career. Technically, the only reservation is whether his high-intensity philosophy and maniacal preparation will work with a much busier schedule and less practice time. ............ The new boss will walk into a less challenging situation than the former Lazio and Napoli boss. The squad is a lot younger and doesn’t have many big personalities to butt heads with. It’s also one of their problems on the pitch. Even if some starlets are sold to raise cash, he’ll have plenty to work with talent-wise. On the other hand, if things don’t work out right away, he’ll face a lot more scrutiny than in his previous stops. For instance, despite the importance to their respective teams, it’s way easier to freeze out M’Bala Nzola at Spezia or Marko Arnautovic and Riccardo Orsolini at Bologna for whatever reasons. His ultimate results quelled any doubts, but, in Turin, there won’t be time and patience to wait till the end to judge. It’ll be a week-to-week process, and each slightly controversial lineup decision will be evaluated with a fine-tooth comb. That will put pressure on his entire operation while he settles on his preferred XI and substitution pattern. The Main Concerns In that sense, Giuntoli and the rest of the Bianconeri hierarchy will have to stand by the gaffer a lot more than they did with Allegri publicly and behind the scenes. Explaining that the project is long-term, as the manager will ink a three-year contract, won’t be enough. The fans and the pundits will want to see results pronto. It won’t be hard to improve stylistically, but being critically acclaimed isn’t really an achievement for a team of their caliber. The relatively good news is that they have fallen so much in the second half of the season, and really in recent campaigns, that even being serious contenders would be a success. Thiago Motta isn’t as loud and demonstrative as other coaches but might not be the easiest person to deal with. He was not so secretly at loggerheads with the main director at Spezia and the disagreements with Bologna exec Giovanni Sartori on the transfer market contributed to his choice to leave Bologna. The reassuring part is that the feuding didn’t affect other and more important stuff, as the gaffer was perfectly capable of compartmentalizing. Still, it’ll be something to monitor, and Juventus will have to hope the honeymoon phase with Giuntoli lasts. ............ Read more -> https://cultofcalcio.com/thiago-motta-the-right-but-not-riskless-hire-for-juventus/

Could Arthur regain Juventus spot With Motta in charge? The imminent arrival of Thiago Motta will change many things at Juventus, and could even possibly open the door for Arthur Melo’s return. The 27-year-old spent two underwhelming campaigns in Turin between 2020 and 2022. He tried to put his career back on the right track last season at Liverpool, but it turned out to be a disastrous loan spell. However, the Brazilian found his feet again this season at Fiorentina. However, the Viola cannot afford to maintain his services on a permanent basis, so he’ll most likely return to Juventus in July and await his fate. ............ Motta could give Arthur the chance to prove himself during the first few weeks of the pre-season. The former Barcelona man had praised the 41-year-old in a recent interview, which suggests that the player could be eager to play his football under the guidance of his compatriot. Arthur is a deep-lying playmaker who excels in passing. This is a profile that the current Juventus squad lacks, albeit Nicolo Fagioli could arguably feature as a Regista. ............ Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/could-arthur-regain-juventus-spot-with-motta-in-charge/

New system, no playing style – What to expect from Juventus with Motta in charge Juventus will announce Thiago Motta as their new manager, thus resulting in major changes in playing style. ............ The first major change is obviously related to the tactical system. The 41-year-old will drop his predecessor’s 3-5-2 formation and adopt a combination varying between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1. Motta isn’t a rigid tactician in this regard, noting how he kept alternating formations during his early-career stint at Genoa. Moreover, Juventus will be building up the play from deep positions. In fact, the report reveals how Bologna were the second team in Serie A this season when it comes to touches inside their own penalty box. ............ One of the more noticeable traits in his game is the advancing centre-back, who surges forward to join the midfield on some occasions. The Italo-Brazilian also heavily relies upon fullbacks to drive the ball forward, while the striker tends to drop deep to help in the buildup and simultaneously create spaces for the wingers to attack in the opposition’s final third. On the defensive phase, Motta opts for a risky high-pressing game. But if the opponents manage to escape, his wingers would be asked to track back at a frenetic pace to cover at the back, which could be one of the main reasons why Federico Chiesa could be deemed inapt to the plan. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/new-system-no-playing-style-what-to-expect-from-juventus-with-motta-in-charge/

Khephren Thuram could help Juventus sign him sooner Juventus remains keen on bringing Marcus Thuram’s brother to Serie A as he shines for Nice in France. Khephren Thuram has been one of the standout players at his current club, and Juve has been monitoring the midfielder for at least two seasons. ................. The midfielder’s brother Marcus plays for Inter Milan, and their father Lilian was a star player for Juventus. Khephren appears to be interested in the move. His current deal expires in 2025, meaning he has just one season left. Nice still wants around €25 million, which might be considered too expensive by Juventus, but the midfielder could prove to be a valuable addition. He is eager to move to Serie A and will not sign a new contract, which could force Nice to further reduce their asking price to avoid losing him on a free transfer. ................. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/khephren-thuram-could-help-juventus-sign-him-sooner/

Bologna keen to add Juventus youngster to Calafiori deal While Juventus are working to sign Riccardo Calafiori through an exchange deal, Bologna have reportedly requested the insertion of Tommaso Barbieri. ................. Juve are willing to splash 25 million euros for Calafiori between cash and players in exchange, while Bologna value their prized asset at 30 million. As the source tells it, the Bianconeri have already proposed three players as counterparts. The first is Fabio Miretti who already has 75 appearances with the senior team despite his tender age. The second is Facundo Gonzalez. Juventus signed the young Uruguayan defender last summer and sent him to Sampdoria on loan. The third name is Hans Nicolussi Cavaglia who struggled for playing time under Max Allegri last season, but still made a good impression when called upon in the Coppa Italia final. However, Bologna director Gianluca Sartori has another name in mind. The savvy official has set his sights on Barbieri. ................. The right-back managed to impress while on loan at Pisa, contributing with three goals and as many assists in 31 Serie B appearances. However, the Turin-based newspaper believes Thiago Motta wouldn’t want to offload Barbieri, at least not before he gets the chance to convince in pre-season. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/bologna-keen-to-add-juventus-youngster-to-calafiori-deal/

Atalanta ask for two Juventus young jewels in exchange for Koopmeiners Juventus may have to give up two of their finest youngsters in their quest to sign Atalanta star Teun Koopmeiners. The Bianconeri have long identified the 26-year-old as their primary target to bolster the middle of the park. But in what was a sensational campaign for the Dutchman, his market value kept rising with every thrilling display, eventually reaching 60 million euros. ................. Dean Huijsen has been proposed as a possible counterpart. The Spain U21 international spent the second half of the season on loan at Roma, managing to impress at times. However, the teenage centre-back isn’t the only Bianconeri youngster that intrigues Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The Europa League winners also admire Matias Soulé. The 21-year-old cemented himself as one of the main revelations of the Serie A season while on loan at Frosinone, even though the campaign ended with his team’s heartbreaking relegation. Therefore, the source believes contacts between the two clubs are ongoing, but the negotiations won’t be easy due to the cost of the operation and stern competition. ................. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/atalanta-ask-for-two-juventus-young-jewels-in-exchange-for-koopmeiners/

Albanese explains why Juventus are determined to renew Rabiot’s contract Juventus are keen to maintain the services of Adrien Rabiot who remains central to the club’s project. From Max Allegri to Thiago Motta, the Bianconeri are prepared for a drastic change. Nevertheless, the Frenchman’s importance to the cause remains a common thread. Journalist Giovanni Albanese names the reasons why the Old Lady is determined to keep the 29-year-old at Continassa. As the source explains, Rabiot is an old teammate of Motta, having played side-by-side at Paris Saint-Germain. Therefore, the Italo-Brazilian is well-familiar with the capabilities of the France international, and considers him integral to his playing system. ................. Albanese believes the Bianconeri could be willing to offer the midfielder a slight pay rise when they meet his mother/agent Veronique Rabiot in the coming days. Juve could offer the player a salary of 9 million euros between the fixed part and add-ons. ................. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/albanese-explains-why-juventus-are-determined-to-renew-rabiots-contract/

Juventus remember Heysel tragedy: “A wound that continues to hurt” Juventus paid tribute to the victims of the Heysel tragedy in a statement posted on the club’s official website. The disaster occurred ahead of the European Cup final between Juventus and Liverpool on the 29th of May, 1985. A section of the stands in the stadium collapsed following crowd trouble, resulting in the unfortunate death of 39 Juventus supporters, including women and children. ................ “29 May 1985, A wound that continues to hurt, a tragedy, a dramatic memory for those who lost loved ones and for the entire Juventus family. This year’s anniversary is intertwined with a number that has always and forever been linked to that day: 39 years have passed since the abyss of that evening in Brussels. “Thirty-nine. ................ “A number that has become a symbol, telling more than any words the suffering we all continue to carry within us. That is why we stand beside the families in remembrance of the innocent victims, who have been with us in thought since that fateful day. “We will never forget the tragedy of that day.” Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-remember-heysel-tragedy-a-wound-that-continues-to-hurt/

Juventus eyes three stars in case Rabiot refuses to extend his contract Juventus remains keen on keeping Adrien Rabiot in their squad beyond this season, but the Bianconeri are also on the lookout for alternatives. ............. The Frenchman might be interested in working with Thiago Motta, but while he wastes time, Juve has identified three players who could take his place on their team. The Bianconeri are interested in Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana and Nice’s Khephren Thuram, whom they can sign permanently. They are also interested in signing PSG’s Manuel Ugarte on loan for next season. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-eyes-three-stars-in-case-rabiot-refuses-to-extend-his-contract/

Motta wants a left-back and Juventus eyes two targets With Alex Sandro leaving and Juventus set to play with a back-four under Thiago Motta, the Bianconeri are looking to sign new left-backs. ............. The Bianconeri are targeting a new left-back, with two options on the table. They like Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu, who has been impressive despite being just 19. The Bianconeri are also interested in FC Porto star Wendell, who is far more experienced and has been named in the latest Brazil squad. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/motta-wants-a-left-back-and-juventus-eyes-two-targets/

Juventus had the worst value for money per point this season in Serie A It is well documented that Juventus had a terrible season in 2023/2024, and more details have emerged from their campaign. ............. It was another season that divided Juventus’ fans. Some believed their team was not good enough to do more, while others argued that it could have achieved more with a better manager. Juve has some of the finest players in the league and, perhaps even more importantly, they pay some of the highest wages in Serie A. ............. The report reveals that the Bianconeri wage bill is 125.95 million euros per season, and they collected just 71 points, which means they paid 1.77 million euros per point. This is by far the worst value for money in the league, with AS Roma the second worst after spending 1.7 million euros per point. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-had-the-worst-value-for-money-per-point-this-season-in-serie-a/

Thiago Motta identifies three untouchable players at Juventus Thiago Motta considers Andrea Cambiaso, Kenan Yildiz, and Nicolò Fagioli three untouchable players in his Juventus squad. ............ The Italian full-back recently extended his contract until 2029, Yildiz will soon sign a new agreement as well, and Fagioli has just returned from a seven-month ban for gambling. Motta hopes to keep Gleison Bremer in the team and form a defensive partnership with Riccardo Calafiori, but the Bianconeri may need to sell the Brazilian to afford the Bologna defender. Next week, Cristiano Giuntoli will have a ‘decisive’ meeting with Adrien Rabiot’s agent and mother, Veronique, to determine whether the Frenchman will extend his stay beyond 2024. ............ Federico Chiesa’s future remains uncertain, and the same is true of Wojciech Szczesny ............ Read more -> https://football-italia.net/thiago-motta-untouchable-players-juventus/

Juventus make positive contacts for Koopmeiners, but agreement with Atalanta remains distant Juventus are reportedly making progress in their talks with Teun Koopmeiners, but finding an accord with Atalanta remains the main hurdle. The Bianconeri have long identified the Dutchman as their primary target to enhance the middle of the park. ............. Juventus have reportedly prepared Koopmeiners a five-year contract, with a yearly net salary of 4.5 million euros. However, Atalanta remain stubborn in their requests. The Oribici aren’t willing to part ways with their prized asset for anything less than 60 million euros. For their part, Juve aren’t willing to splash a figure above 45 million, but instead, they plan to offer players in exchange in order to meet La Dea’s valuation. The source claims the Old Lady offered Fabio Miretti as an exchange pawn, but Atalanta weren’t interested in the young midfielder. Hence, the Turin-based giants might have to raise the bar by inserting either Dean Huijsen or Matias Soulé in the operation. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-make-positive-contacts-for-koopmeiners-but-agreement-with-atalanta-remains-distant/

Juventus finalizing Di Gregorio move, awaiting offers for Szczesny & Perin Juventus are reportedly working on the final details before announcing the transfer of Michele Di Gregorio, while the futures of Wojciech Szczesny and Mattia Perin remain shrouded in mystery. The Bianconeri have an agreement in principle with both Monza and the player’s entourage. The 26-year-old already bid the Biancorossi fans farewell at the end of the season, which ironically occurred at the Allianz Stadium. ............. Moreover, the two clubs have reached an accord over a transfer fee worth 20 million euros, but the formula of the operation has yet to be decided. Obviously, Di Gregorio’s arrival would force at least one between Szczesny and Perin out of Turin. ............. It primarily depends on the offers that the club will receive. Perin reportedly has several admirers in Serie A, including Monza and the recently-promoted Parma. Moreover, the report doesn’t rule out another return to Genoa. On the other hand, Szczesny is one of the highest earners at Juventus, with a salary that can scare away any possible suitors in Italy. The Poland international could have admirers in the Premier League, while the Old Lady would be willing to keep him if he agrees to spread his wages over additional years. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-finalizing-di-gregorio-move-awaiting-offers-for-szczesny-perin/

Juventus propose Milik as exchange pawn for Calafiori Juventus have reportedly offered Arkadiusz Milik in exchange for the services of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. The 22-year-old has emerged as the Old Lady’s ultimate transfer target to bolster the backline following his exploits at Bologna this season. Thiago Motta transformed the Italian from a left-back into a ball-playing central defender, and would be keen to reunite with him in Turin. As we all know by now, the 41-year-old will be imminently appointed as the new Juventus manager after leaving Bologna. ............. Juventus have proposed a swap deal involving Milik and Calafiori. The Bianconeri are looking to revamp their squad this summer, but have limited resources. Thus, player exchange would help them lower the cost. Moreover, Bologna could use a new striker, especially if they end up losing the services of Joshua Zirkzee who has several suitors in Europe, including Arsenal, Inter and even Juventus. Nevertheless, Milik’s wages constitute a hurdle for the Emilian club. The Polish striker currently earns 3.5 million euros as a net salary per year, a figure that Bologna cannot afford. Therefore, this swap deal could only see the light through an initial loan, with Juventus covering part of the 30-year-old’s wages. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-propose-milik-as-exchange-pawn-for-young-defender/

Journalist explains how Juventus season can be divided into two parts The just-concluded campaign was truly a season of two halves for Juventus, as the Bianconeri proved too unpredictable to win the league. In the first half, Max Allegri’s side showed they were prepared to make the most of their lack of European football and win as many games as possible. This raised hopes that they could win the league, and their fans were dreaming of that happening for the first time since 2020. However, in the second half of the season, they went through a tough period and failed to make a recovery. ............. Juve has since sacked Allegri and a new era is to begin at the club this summer, but journalist Giuseppe Falci looked back at their performance and said: “A season ends that could be divided into two: excellent first part, second relegation. Yet there was a trophy. A final thank you to Max Allegri. Now we look to the future, to the team of the future, to the coach who will come. Come on @juventus #finoallafine”. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/journalist-explains-how-juventus-season-can-be-divided-into-two-parts/

Juventus schedule meeting with Chiesa’s agent, but future remains in doubt Juventus are reportedly working on extending the contract of Federico Chiesa, but his long-term stay at the club remains far from certain. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio sent shockwaves by claiming that incoming Juventus manager Thiago Motta isn’t a keen admirer of the 26-year-old, and is thus unlikely to play him a starter. If true, this could be the last straw that spells the end of the winger’s time in Turin. After all, his contract is only valid until 2025. But Juventus have already scheduled a meeting with the player’s entourage in the coming days. The source insists that the club’s Football Director Cristiano Giuntoli is working on a bridge renewal, one that is in line with the club’s current financial parameters. In other words, the club director would like to push back the deadline until 2026. ............ On the one hand, Juventus would have the opportunity to negotiate a long-term contract next season if Chiesa manages to cement himself as a pillar in Motta’s maiden campaign at the club. On the other hand, the Bianconeri would be able to sell the player for a decent return in the summer, especially if he delivers the goods in Euro 2024. The source also claims that Roma remains Chiesa’s most renowned suitor at the moment. ............ Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-schedule-meeting-with-chiesas-agent-but-future-remains-in-doubt/

JUVENTUS INTERESTED IN NAPOLI’S GIOVANNI DI LORENZO Serie A giants Juventus are interested in the possibility of landing Napoli full-back Giovanni di Lorenzo in the summer. ................. The chances of Di Lorenzo joining Juve are increasingly and a key aspect of the potential move is the Italian’s excellent relationship with Cristiano Giuntoli from their time at the Partenopei. Juve want a player in Di Lorenzo’s role in the summer and they are looking to make a decision about Danilo’s future as his current deal runs out in the summer of 2025. One drawback in the potential move could be the idea of dealing with Aurelio de Laurentiis and Napoli are likely to ask for about €20 million and there is a possibility of Juve adding players, if they make a move. Read more -> https://www.getfootballnewsitaly.com/2024/juventus-interested-in-napolis-giovanni-di-lorenzo/

Juventus prepare for crucial Rabiot meeting – Monaco star lined up as alternative Juventus will hold decisive talks with Adrien Rabiot and his mother/agent Veronique in the coming days which will determine whether he’ll stay at the club or embark on a new career chapter. ................. The Frenchman’s contract will expire next, but Juventus Football Director Cristiano Giuntoli hasn’t lost faith, believing he can still convince the 29-year-old and his mother to pen a new deal. In the meantime, Bayern Munich are monitoring the situation, as they would relish the opportunity to sign the France international on a free transfer. ................. The Old Lady will have to sign at least one or two midfielders for next season. Monaco star Youssouf Fofana is a like-to-like replacement for his international teammate Rabiot. The 25-year-old’s contract with the French principality side will expire in 2025, and the player has been refusing to sign a renewal. Therefore, Monaco could be forced to sell him at a relatively low price this summer. However, Fofana isn’t the only Ligue 1 midfielder on the Old Lady’s shortlist. The source also mentions interest in PSG’s Manuel Ugarte and Nice’s Khephren Thuram. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-prepare-for-crucial-rabiot-meeting-monaco-star-lined-up-as-alternative/

Heartbreak for Juventus Next Gen as Serie B dream reaches abrupt end Juventus Next Gen have been eliminated from the Serie C promotion playoffs following their 2-2 draw against Carrarese in the quarter-finals. Massimo Brambilla’s men had eliminated Pescara and Casertana in the previous rounds, but their dream of playing in the Serie B next season ended on Saturday night. The young Bianconeri side had hosted the first leg which ended in a draw. Therefore, they needed a win away from home as their opponents had the advantage of a superior league record. ............. Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/video-heartbreak-for-juventus-next-gen-as-serie-b-dream-reaches-abrupt-end/