Marcello Lippi might return at Juventus after 17 years as an executive. President Andrea Agnelli is considering bringing him back as technical director to serve as a liaison between the squad and a current management. It would be the first time such figure is installed during his administration, SportMediaset reports.
Barring a surprise, the club is set to confirm the heads of the front office Pavel Nedved, Fabio Paratici and Federico Cherubini, even if the last two are on expiring contracts. Lippi would be added and would also help out Andrea Pirlo, who is expected to be confirmed on the bench. The talks for such move are said to be at its preliminary stages.
The 72-year-old manager has won five Scudetti, one Champions League, one Intercontinental cup and one European Supercup in eight seasons at the helm in two separate stints. After four years with Italy, he finished off his career in China, first with Guangzhou Evergrande, taking home three titles, and then with the national team.
In the meantime, the squad is preparing for Saturday’s Derby with Torino. Paulo Dybala has practiced fully for the first time since suffering a knee sprain in mid-January and is poised to be available. Aaron Ramsey re-joined his teammates as well after a thigh injury.
On the other hand, Gianluigi Buffon has been suspended for one game for blasphemy after a successful appeal by the federal prosecutor. The goalkeeper was caught swearing on camera in December 19th’s match against Parma but had been cleared in the first degree of justice. Also Merih Demiral tested positive during his time with Turkish national team.