Italian Serie A giants Juventus have parted ways with head coach Thiago Motta, following a run of poor results and an underwhelming campaign.
Motta assumed the managerial role in Turin last summer on a three-year contract following an outstanding season with Bologna.
But it has been a campaign littered with struggles – with the Old Lady finally pulling the trigger after humiliating defeats to Atalanta & Fiorentina that saw the club drop to fifth on the Serie A table and being 12 points behind leaders Inter Milan.
The season saw Juventus finish 20th in the UEFA Champions League standings and were knocked out of the competition at the playoff stage by Dutch Eredivisie outfit PSV Eindhoven last month.
Less than a week later, Juventus were eliminated from the Coppa Italia, losing to Empoli at home after a quarter-final penalty shootout.In the wake of Motta’s dismissal, the Old Lady have confirmed the appointment of Igor Tudor as his replacement.
A short statement from the club read: “Juventus FC announces that it has relieved Thiago Motta of his position as coach of the men’s first team.
“Juventus FC also announces that it has entrusted the leadership of the Men’s First Team to Igor Tudor who will direct the first training session tomorrow.”
The statement adds: “Igor Tudor is the new Head Coach of the Men’s First Team. Welcome, Igor! Juventus thanks Thiago Motta for his work, passion and dedication during his time with the club.”
Tudor’s contract as manager is until the end of this season, with an obligation to renew for another year if Juventus secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League, though the club has the option to withdraw from that obligation until July 30.