Juventus sack manager Thiago Motta with Italians 12 points behind Serie A leaders Inter –

Juventus have officially sacked head coach Thiago Motta less than a season into his tenure and moved quickly to line up his replacement.

Motta, 42, was officially informed of his dismissal by the club’s hierarchy on Sunday after a nightmare run of results and has been replaced by Igor Tudor.

Tudor, whose last managerial role came at Serie A rivals Lazio, will take charge for the rest of the season with Champions League qualification crucial in determining whether his deal is extended. He will oversee his first training session on Monday.

Juventus crashed out of the Champions League and both the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana this season, and recently suffered a 4-0 humbling at the hands of title contenders Atalanta, their heaviest home defeat since 1967.

Motta’s last match at the helm proved to be the 3-0 loss at eighth-placed Fiorentina, a result that leaves the Old Lady in fifth, one point behind fourth. 

In the aftermath, Motta was reportedly told by director Cristiano Giuntoli that he was ‘ashamed’ at having chosen him for the job in an awkward confrontation over lunch on Tuesday. This, La Gazzetta dello Sport claim, was a factor behind his sacking.

Indeed, it is thought that Giuntoli and CEO Maurizio Scanavino were unimpressed with Motta’s answers during the face-to-face meeting, leading to a change of heart after the coach was initially backed despite the losses to Atalanta and Fiorentina.

A short club statement confirming the decision read: ‘Juventus FC announce that Thiago Motta has been relieved of his duties as Men’s First Team coach.

‘The club would like to thank Thiago Motta and all of his staff for their professionalism and for the work they have carried out in recent months with passion and dedication. The club wish them the best of luck for the future.

‘Juventus FC also announce that the Men’s First Team will now be led by Igor Tudor, who will take charge of his first training session tomorrow, Monday, 24 March.’

More to follow.