It goes without saying that the Old Lady is set for a warm summer. Andrea Pirlo will try his best to save his job by securing a Top four finish – and perhaps winning the Coppa Italia – but would it be enough? Whilst Juventus president Andrea Agnelli still reportedly believes in the abilities of the young tactician, the expected availability of Zinedine Zidane could be too hot to resist, especially if an old ally is backing him up.
According to Tuttosport (via ilBianconero), a storm is hitting Real Madrid following their elimination from the Champions League semi finals at the hands of Chelsea, and it could blow the Frenchman towards Turin.
The 1998 World Cup hero played five season with the Bianconeri before sealing a record-breaking transfer to Los Blancos in 2001.
Nonetheless, the former attacking midfielder remains a popular figure at his former club, and a return has been discussed in the past.
Zidane is widely expected to leave his post in the Spanish captain (again) at the end of the season, and Juventus have been taking note.
Although the manager reportedly has two other options – taking a sabbatical year or replacing Didier Deschamps in the French national team – the source believes that Cristiano Ronaldo will push for a reunion with his old coach.
The Portuguese enjoyed great success whilst playing under the French-Algerian in Madrid, winning three Champions League trophies in a row, before they both departed in the summer in 2018.
However, the main issue that could block this return, is the fact that Zidane currently earns 12 million euros plus 3 millions as bonuses per year.
Whilst the Italian club are facing financial difficulties, they could still end up making an exception for their old legend.
Nonetheless, the report also admits that the names of Massimiliano Allegri and Gennaro Gattuso are also hot in the discussion.