Juventus FC: La Fidanzata d'Italia

Juventus FC have sacked their manager Antonio Conte this evening just a month before the Serie A season commences, in what appears to be a bust up between board and manager.


The club released the following statement following his dismissal:


"It is with sadness and regret that the club have decided upon terminating the contract of manager Antonio Conte with immediate effect. The relationship between Conte and the Board of Directors had become strained in recent weeks, and the managers position with the club had become untenable. The search for his replacement begins immediately."


Juventus have made no further comment on the matter.


NEXT PERMANENT JUVENTUS MANAGER ODDS:
Carlo Ancelotti (1/3)
Fabio Capello (2/1)
David Moyes (3/1)
Roberto Di Matteo (5/1)
Paolo Di Canio (10/1)
Allesandro Del Piero (20/1)
Andrea Pirlo (66/1)


BT Sport sources understand that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been informally approached regarding the role.


More when we have it...

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out a stunning return to Turin, stating he has unfinished business in the Spanish capital.


This news comes following a reported approach from Juventus following the departure of Antonio Conte.


Russia Head Coach, and another former Juventus manager, Fabio Capello has also played down reports linking him with the vacant position.


The front-runner for the high-profile position is now recently axed Manchester United manager David Moyes, who has told BT Sport that he has not yet been approached by Juventus.


"It's a wonderful club with wonderful history and players, and I'd certainly speak to their representatives should the opportunity arise. But as of yet there has been no approach and you're the first to mention it to me."



Juventus have declined to comment on the report that David Moyes could well become the new manager of Juventus FC.

Juventus finally confirmed this evening that Alessandro Del Piero has been appointed as their new manager, on a one-year contract.


The former Italy striker, who spent 19 years playing for Juventus and has recently been on the books at Australian club Sydney FC, announced his retirement from playing this evening in order to accept an offer to guide the Serie A champions.


The Bianconeri dismissed Antonio Conte following an internal dispute - a dispute that reportedly made Conte's position 'untenable'.


Todays statement issued by the club read: "Juventus announces that Alessandro Del Piero is the new manager of the first team and has signed a contract until June 30, 2014."


With the new season just a month and a half away, Del Piero will be preparing a team to challenge for all three major competitions in his first season as a boss - the Serie A, Coppa Itallia and UEFA Champions League will all be of high priority to the 38 year old coach, who will be eager to impress quickly as his one year contract will not allow a transitional period.


The clubs all time leading appearance maker (705) and goalscorer (290) inherits a team that last season won the Serie A, finishing 9pts clear of 2nd placed Napoli.




Speaking at a press conference this morning at The Juventus Center in Turin, he said: "Considering my relationship with the (Juventus) president (Andrea Agnelli), when he called me yesterday I couldn't say no after 19 years spent there (at Juventus).


"I am hanging up my boots and retiring after 23 years of playing. It has been a difficult night but I am satisfied by what I achieved in my career and what I've done for the Australian game over at Sydney FC.


"My aim is to dream again.


"This experience at Sydney has helped me grow a lot and will no doubt help me in my next step as manager of Juventus.


"I wish Sydney FC and my team-mates all the best.


"I love this club just as much as I love my family, my children. I will never give up and I will put every ounce of energy I can muster into continuing Juventus' historic glory."

Nice start, good luck with Juventus!

2014-04-24 22:50#171665 Josh_MU : Nice start, good luck with Juventus!

Cheers Josh! I'm sure ADP can bring European dominance to the city once more...

Nice start mate! Del Piero is a football and Juventus legend! Should be good! will follow this

Our new manager, Mr Del Piero, would like to address the fans and take this opportunity to outline his intentions for the season ahead.


I would like to bid the sport, the media, the board, and mostly the fans - a very good day.


Today, is my first day as a manager. The first day of what I hope is the rest of my life. I am home, back where I belong. The country, the city. When I left this club, a part of me died. And as much as I have enjoyed playing in Australia - as I walked back through the doors at the training ground yesterday, the part of that died was fully resurrected.


Now as you know - this is my first managerial post. Succeeding Antonio Conte, who brought great times to the team, will be no easy task. But I aim to be the life and soul of this magnificent club and will hopefully bring true emotion and joy to the fans throughout this campaign. My first intention real burning desire for this season, is to defend the Serie A title successfully. Everything else can wait - the UEFA Champions League, the Coppa Italia - it can all wait. For the league is the trophy I want firstly.


As time progresses I will build a side strong enough to beat Bayern Munich; to beat Barcelona; to beat Chelsea; Atletico Madrid; Real Madrid; Manchester City; Dortmund and Internazionale. But this, I must stress, will take time. European dominance is something that cannot be guaranteed in one season - as there are sides who have been working towards it for many a year. Currently, I don't feel we have enough quality in the team to win the competition, but we will do.


Please, I plead with the supporters of this wonderful outfit, have patience. Support and guide, for we will only have pleasurable times in the future should you encourage and work with me through the difficult periods.


Grazi,
Alessandro Del Piero.

Former Juventus and Italy manager Marcello Lippi has described Juventus' decision to appoint club legend Alessandro Del Piero as manager the 'perfect fit'.


Del Piero was handed a 12 month contract with the Bianconeri yesterday and Lippi feels as though he is the best man to take the club forward.


He said: "Alessandro is a magnificent man. He loves Juventus and the supporters love him. With Conte leaving a strong squad behind for Al (Del Piero) to work with, I think this appointment is like 2+2. It is the perfect fit."


The 66-year-old coach, currently in charge of Guangzhou Evergrande in the Chinese Super League says that he will not rule out a return to Italy in the future.


He said: "I love Italy, it is my home. One day I will return but I won't be a manager."


When he was told of a rumour that Del Piero may approach Lippi for an assisting role at Juventus, he was quick to play down the link.


"Al is his own man, he won't be forced into making decisions. I am the Head Coach at Guangzhou, I can't be talking about joining other teams at this stage. Though one day, maybe."

Del Piero <3.. he was a total baws at Juve <3

The transition from player to manager is an aesthetically easy one. Swapping the pitch for an office, the kit for a tailored suit - its all been a very pleasurable beginning to life as the boss for Alessandro Del Piero at Juventus FC.


Though it was after the photographers had seen themselves out of the new managers' HQ that the real work began. In any walk of life, a new boss brings changes - and it's no different in football. The recently fired Antonio Conte worked successfully alongside members of staff handpicked by himself, and so Del Piero was to bring about changes of his own.


It is unlikely that the former Italy striker will have had to do any hiring and firing during his illustrious playing career, but just a couple of days into the job and he is already faced with making some tough calls. But he did so, and quickly.


The club released a statement on the club website noting those who had fallen on their swords with regard to working at Juventus.


"Juventus can confirm that today the following members of staff have parted with the club by mutual consent: Stefano Braghin (Head of Youth Development); Costantino Coratti (Fitness Coach); Mauro Sandreani (Coach) and Andrea Zanchetti (U19s Manager)."


Though while Del Piero had been firing the staff he felt were surplus to requirements, he had been hiring too.


"Juventus can confirm that new manager Alessandro Del Piero has brought in the following to assist him in running first team matters: Rodolfo Borrell (Head of Youth Development); Ulf Kirsten (Attack Coach); Michelangelo Rampulla (Goalkeeping Coach) and Rene Meulensteen (First Team Coach)."


Meulensteen assisted Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United for 6 years.


The appointment of world renowned coach Rene Meulensteen as 'First Team Coach' or to you and I - third in command - is certainly a statement of intent from Del Piero, who clearly felt that coaches on the training ground needed improvement.


Promotion: Grosso is the new Juventus U19s Manager


Having fired U19s Manager Andrea Zanchetti, 38 year old Del Piero promoted Zanchetti's right-hand-man and former team-mate of the new boss, Fabio Grosso, to the managers job.


The following is the coaching staff list for Juventus' 2013/14 season:
Manager: Alessandro Del Piero (ITA) (38)
Assistant: Angelo Alessio (ITA) (48)
First Team Coach: Rene Meulensteen (NED) (49)
Attack Coach: Ulf Kirsten (GER) (47)
Defence Coach: Massimo Carrera (ITA) (49)
Goalkeeping Coach: Claudio Filippi (ITA) (48)
Goalkeeping Coach: Michelangelo Rampulla (50)
Fitness Coach: Paolo Bertelli (ITA) (52)
Fitness Coach: Roberto Sassi (ITA) (62)


Just a few days into the job, and it feels like Alessandro Del Piero has been manager of Juventus for 30 years. We here at The Guardian wish him every success.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has been quick to play down reports of versatile lefty Bryan Oviedo joining Juventus in this transfer window.


Several national newspapers in Italy are claiming that Juventus are ready to start bidding for the Costa Rica international around the region of £4M.


But Martinez was defiant when answering questions from our man David Craig. He said: "For now Bryan is an Everton player and nobody is saying otherwise. We have had no approach from any club whether it be Juventus or anyone else. I think this is just a story made up by a bored reporter."


Juventus officials have declined to comment on the matter at this time.

Some really great updates here, Keep it up. Oviedo would be a decent signing, especially for around £4m!

Some really good writing so far, you've made a good start

Juventus have had great success buying young and developing talent with recent managers, and Alessandro Del Piero appears to have a similar ethos.


Young West Ham prodigy and ex Manchester United U21, Ravel Morrison, has been lined up by Juventus in what could be an astonishing move from The Boleyn to Turin.


BT Sport sources understand that no formal approach has yet been made, but there is definite interest from Juventus and they are keen to do a deal.


Unproven at the highest level, this transfer story carries with it shades of one that did go through a couple of years ago - when flailing midfielder Paul Pogba left Manchester United's youth setup and integrated himself as a key player within the Bianconeri first team.


Would Morrison be a good buy for Juventus? Let us know in the comments below or on twitter @BTSportFootball.

2014-04-25 10:35#171762 Nick : Some really great updates here, Keep it up. Oviedo would be a decent signing, especially for around £4m!

Cheers mate - keep following to see if ADP can pull a deal!