Spalletti signs new Juventus deal amid Italy links

By Martin Graham

Luciano Spalletti has formally prolonged his keep at Juventus by signing a brand new two-year settlement, placing an finish to any chance of him taking up the Italy nationwide staff. The skilled coach had been talked about as a candidate for the function after Gennaro Gattuso stepped down final week, following Italy’s failure to qualify for a 3rd straight males’s World Cup.

The 67-year-old solely arrived in Turin in October on a short-term association after Igor Tudor was dismissed. Regardless of the preliminary momentary nature of his appointment, his affect was felt rapidly throughout the squad and the broader membership construction.

Juventus chief govt Damien Comolli praised the impression Spalletti has made since his arrival, highlighting the constructive modifications seen throughout the staff and the broader Bianconeri surroundings. In response to Comolli, it rapidly grew to become evident that Spalletti was the best determine to information the membership ahead and assist its ongoing improvement.

Journey from Napoli triumph to Juventus function

Earlier than his present place, Spalletti loved a memorable spell at Napoli, the place he led the staff to their first Serie A title in 33 years in 2023. He departed the membership later that summer season to take cost of the Italian nationwide aspect, marking a brand new chapter in his profession.

Nevertheless, his time with Italy didn’t deliver the anticipated success. After reaching the spherical of 16 at Euro 2024, his tenure got here to an finish in June 2025 following a heavy 3-0 defeat to Norway in a World Cup qualifying match.

Curiously, Spalletti had beforehand said in March of final yr that Napoli could be the ultimate Italian membership he would handle. His transfer to Juventus subsequently represents a change in that stance, as he returned to membership soccer as soon as once more.

Juventus chasing Champions League spot

On the sector, Juventus stay in rivalry for a top-four end in Serie A. The staff at present sits in fifth place with 57 factors, only one level shy of the Champions League qualification positions.

With seven matches nonetheless to be performed, the membership stays firmly within the race to safe a spot amongst Europe’s elite subsequent season. Spalletti’s continued presence on the bench may show essential as Juventus intention to complete the marketing campaign strongly and obtain their goal.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports activities author