Juventus sack Maurizio Sarri, appoint Andrea Pirlo as manager
What's the story
Juventus have appointed Andrea Pirlo as manager of the first team after sacking Maurizio Sarri. Just recently, Pirlo was hired as Juventus' U-23 manager but got the nod from the directors to go a step further. Sarri was sacked by Juventus after the club bowed out of the Champions League 2019-20 season. Here we present the key details.
Juventus
Serie A win not enough for Juventus
Sarri helped Juventus win the Serie A 2019-20 honor in his maiden season with the club. Despite that, Juventus went for the cull as they seem to be desperate for Champions League success. Juventus, who have dominated the scene in Italian domestic football, haven't won the UCL since 1996. The Turin giants were knocked out by Lyon in the round of 16 (away goals).
Decision
'The decision for Pirlo was very natural'
Meanwhile, the 41-year-old Pirlo has been awarded a two-year contract and until June 2022. Juventus' chief football officer Fabio Paratici said that the decision to appoint Pirlo was a natural one. "The decision for Pirlo was very natural, in the Juventus style, because he is someone who played for us, has always been in contact with everyone here and it felt natural," he said.
Restart
Juventus faltered under Sarri since the restart
Former boss Sarri was appointed on a three-year contract last summer after one year at Premier League club Chelsea. He guided Juventus to a ninth straight Serie A title, although they lost three of their last four league matches to finish only a point clear of Inter Milan. Juventus were also beaten by Napoli in the Coppa Italia final after the restart.
Quote
Juventus believe Pirlo is pre-destined for greatness
Paratici said that the club believes Pirlo is pre-destined for greatness. "We also believe he is pre-destined for greatness. He was as a player and we are confident he can do the same as a coach," he added.
Personal
Juventus opt for a manager with no experience: Our take
Juventus went from a serial winner in Massimiliano Allegri to Sarri, who had little success in terms of trophies. And now, they have turned to a manager with no experience at all. This is indeed a very big risk taken by the club.