Juventus are plotting to bolster their management at the end of the season, and they have shown interest in Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli. He’s under contract with the Azzurri until 2024. However, his relationship with president Aurelio De Laurentiis is not as rosy as in the past.
As per La Repubblica, the Partenopei exec tops the shortlist of candidates should the Old Lady add a sporting director to their ranks. They didn’t replace Fabio Paratici when they ousted him in 2021. They simply elevated his right-hand man Federico Cherubini. In such scenario, he would get another promotion, becoming the CEO of the sports area. It was Giuseppe Marotta’s role back in the day.
Juventus have had initial contacts with Giuntoli, but Napoli will predictably mount a major resistance. The director has worked wonder for years and in particular in the summer window. He replaced multiple stars by taking a few gambles. They have all paid off spectacularly so far. He’s been at the club since 2015.
On top of the Azzurri official, the Bianconeri also have former Roma and Torino exec Gianluca Petrachi, who is tied to Antonio Conte, and Lazio higher-up Igli Tare on their radar. They would be easier to hire. The former is without a team, while the contract of the latter expires in 2023.
Our Take on Juventus Eyeing Giuntoli
All in all, Juventus did pretty well last summer, but their transfer market strategies severely lack inventiveness and rely too much on big-money moves. That’s not ideal if they wish to be leaner and cut costs. The Napoli director is la crème de la crème in Serie A, and there’s no reason for the Partenopei to let him go.
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