The Juventus management was deeply disappointed with the performance of the team in Florence. While the rumors of an immediate firing of rookie coach Andrea Pirlo have been dismissed, he could indeed get the ax if the team struggles again versus Udinese. Lead assistant Igor Tudor would take over to try to salvage the situation, La Stampa reports.
The Turin-based newspaper indicates that the plans for next season are on hold for multiple reasons. A lot will hinge on the Champions League qualification, which would impact the future of Cristiano Ronaldo. Also directors Fabio Paratici and Federico Cherubini, whose contracts will be up in June, could be affected. Furthermore, there is uncertainty surrounding Andrea Agnelli after the Super League debacle.
Juventus are currently in a three-way tie with Napoli and Milan in third place. They will face the Rossoneri at home in two weeks. Lazio are five points behind but have a game in hand against Torino that will take place on May 18th. Atalanta hold a two-point lead over the trio and have a pretty soft schedule the rest of the way.
Agnelli has never changed a coach during the course of the season, not even Luigi Delneri, who finished seventh in 2010/2011. Pirlo is not certain to be confirmed even if his squad does conclude in the top four and prevails in the Coppa Italia final against Atalanta. However, the officials are pointing their fingers more at the players, who, in their mind, have not performed with enough personality in recent away matches, Gazzetta dello Sport reports.