Massimiliano Allegri has never regained his old fame since returning to Juventus in 2021 after his glorious first stint at the Allianz Stadium. Perceived as a potential savior following the club’s decline under Maurizio Sarri and Andrea Pirlo, the 56-year-old has done quite the opposite.
After five consecutive titles during his first mandate, Allegri reconnected with Juventus three years ago to restore glory days in Turin. But it’s never worked out. He finished fourth in his comeback campaign before off-field turmoil led to Bianconeri’s underwhelming seventh-place finish in 2022/23.
The closest Juventus have come to rekindling their domestic supremacy has been this season. However, after an epic downturn since the calendar year flipped to 2024, they’ll probably have to settle for another trophyless campaign. With runaway Serie A leaders Inter a whopping 17 points away, the record-time Italian champions can already turn to next season.
They still have a business to close, though. Roma’s resurgence under Daniele De Rossi has whittled down the gap between them and third-placed Juventus to eight points. But the new Champions League format will probably hand the Italians an additional spot at Europe’s top table, meaning Bianconeri should return to the elite society next term.
Whether Allegri will be in the dugout remains a ‘million-dollar question.’ Fans have lost patience with the manager’s overly cautious approach. Only Bologna (42) have netted fewer goals than Juventus’ 44 among the teams inside the top seven, making the Turin faithful voice their disappointment in the current boss.
Sacking Allegri would still require Juventus to find a suitable replacement as we look at the three most realistic candidates to take his place. Antonio Conte would be a dream signing, but the ex-Tottenham coach is not an attainable target. Moreover, his notoriously short stints at previous clubs would probably put Juve off.
Raffaele Palladino
As one of Serie A’s most exciting up-and-coming managers, Raffaele Palladino has gone a long way from being the coach of Monza’s Primavera to helping the Brianteo outfit establish themselves as a permanent top-flight fixture in less than two years. Whether it was cosmic karma or a mere coincidence, he beat Juventus on his touchline debut.
Despite losing several first-team stars last summer, Palladino is on the verge of inspiring Monza to a top-half finish this term. Like Allegri, he prefers to play with three center-backs but in a less conservative way. Juventus fans must be tired of a 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1, but those have been the 39-year-old’s favorite set-ups.
Given his previous ties with the club, it’s hard to discount Palladino as a potential option.
Vincenzo Italiano
Vincenzo Italiano’s three-year stint at Fiorentina is about to end. Rumors behind his summer departure have ramped up in recent months, though the untimely death of club director Joe Barone could flip the script. After nearly inspiring La Viola to their first European success in over six decades last term, the 46-year-old has emerged as one of the most highly-rated coaches in Serie A.
He’d be a more experienced option than Palladino. But much will depend on Fiorentina. It’s been a while since they were last relevant in continental action. But Italiano has resurrected them en route to winning the hearts of the Artemio Franchi faithful, making his early exit improbable. Yet, if it happens, Juventus might be looking to pounce.
Thiago Motta
Thiago Motta must be the first name to spring to mind when speaking of Serie A’s most talented managers. The Brazilian-born former Italy international has turned perennial mid-table strugglers Bologna into genuine top-four contenders, earning a tag as one of Europe’s most in-demand coaches.
Motta’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation would suit Juventus’ star-studded cast to perfection. However, luring him to Turin could prove problematic. In addition to Milan, several clubs from the Premier League and La Liga have set their sights on Sinisa Mihajlovic’s successor at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
But if Juventus are to send a message to the rest of Serie A and Europe that they mean business, Motta’s acquisition would be a statement of intent.
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