Juventus start post-Motta era as they welcome Genoa

Fallen giants Juventus start the post-Thiago Motta era on Saturday evening, when they welcome Genoa to Turin.

The Bianconeri’s board finally acted to remove their coach after successive Serie A humblings, and trusted hand Igor Tudor will try to revive an ailing top-four challenge.

After suffering an historic home defeat – losing 4-0 to Atalanta BC – Juventus then sunk further into crisis just before the international break, with a 3-0 reverse against Fiorentina at Stadio Franchi.

In isolation, either result would be unacceptable for any Bianconeri boss, but those twin setbacks came hot on the heels of embarrassing exits from the Champions League and Coppa Italia – to PSV Eindhoven and Empoli.

With their top-four prospects fast diminishing, Juve’s board decided to relieve Thiago Motta of his duties, amid speculation of unrest in the camp.

Remarkably, Motta was sacked despite losing just three of 29 Serie A matches – only one before this month – as a tally of 13 league draws proved fatal to hopes of fighting for the title.

Igor Tudor – who won two Scudetti as a player with Juventus – was subsequently appointed interim head coach, having previously managed Hellas Verona and Lazio in Italy’s top flight.

A change of coach – and formation – should refresh Juventus at this crucial stage of the season, with their Champions League dreams on the line between now and May.

While Genoa are tough to beat on home soil, they tend to struggle more on the road and might end up empty-handed.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

 

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