Spalletti Emerges as Juventus’ Front-Runner After Tudor’s Dismissal
28 October 2025
Background and current situation
Italian coach Luciano Spalletti, a long-time Napoli boss and former Italy national team coach, responded to talk about taking over Juventus in the near future.
Juventus formally confirmed yesterday that Igor Tudor was dismissed due to disappointing results, with whispers that Spalletti could be his successor.
Spalletti, talking to Sky Italia, said he feels well and is staying calm, remaining hopeful about addressing his situation. He noted the team had been well prepared and trained, and he spoke positively about Tudor's tenure.
Speculation and potential deal
Sky Sport reported that Spalletti leads the shortlist after Tudor's removal. Since leaving the national team in June, Spalletti has been ready to return to club management.
His coaching CV includes Napoli, where he delivered the league title in 2023, as well as stints with Inter, Roma, Zenit St Petersburg, Udinese (twice), Ancona, and Sampdoria. Tudor managed Juventus in 24 matches, with 10 wins, 8 draws and 6 losses.
Juventus have endured a difficult run, failing to win in eight matches across all competitions and losing 1-0 to Lazio on Sunday. They have also suffered defeats to Real Madrid and Como, and have not scored in four consecutive matches, their worst run since 1991.
They sit eighth in Serie A with 12 points, six behind Napoli and Roma. A section titled a serious step notes that Juventus will meet Spalletti on Tuesday to discuss a contract through the season with an option to extend if they qualify for the Champions League, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Mancini and Baldini are named as alternatives.
If an agreement is reached with Spalletti, he would become Juventus' thirteenth coach, following work with Empoli, Sampdoria, Venezia, Udinese (twice), Ancona, Roma (twice), Zenit, Inter, Napoli, and the national team. Buffon, the club's legendary goalkeeper, praised Spalletti as the right man for a big club with ambitious aims, citing their previous collaboration and his leadership and charisma.
In addition to Buffon, other voices have described Spalletti as an excellent professional; he would be a strong, experienced, charismatic choice for Juventus. The piece closes by noting Juventus' current form and the expectation that the club will push for a decision soon.
As the saga unfolds, the club will weigh options and project a plan that could redefine their trajectory this season.
Punchline 1: If Spalletti takes the helm, Juventus might finally figure out a plan that doesn’t wobble like spaghetti.
Punchline 2: And if it still goes sideways, at least the transfer soap opera will keep everyone entertained longer than the Turin weather.
