Juventus, a club synonymous with Italian football dominance, has made a bold decision that could redefine its future. In a forward-thinking move, they have appointed Thiago Motta as their new head coach, bringing in a fresh perspective to replace the long-serving Massimiliano Allegri. This shift marks the beginning of a new era for the Turin giants, as they aim to rejuvenate their fortunes with a modern, attack-minded approach.
Motta, a former player with a decorated career at Juve’s rivals Inter Milan, where he won the treble, PSG, and Barcelona, arrives in Turin with a growing reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young managers. His tenure at Bologna was nothing short of remarkable, as he led the club to its first UEFA Champions League qualification since 1964, outperforming traditional heavyweights like Juventus in the process.
Massimiliano Allegri’s second stint at Juventus ended in June, after a period marked by increasing criticism from fans and pundits alike. Once celebrated for his tactical acumen, Allegri faced growing discontent due to his rigid playing style and the team’s declining performances. The decision to part ways with him was inevitable as Juventus sought a fresh start, and Motta’s appointment appears to be a bold move in the right direction.
Thiago Motta is known for his innovative approach to football, often deploying a formation that can be described as the unorthodox 2-7-2. This setup emphasises possession and central dominance, with two players covering wide areas while seven focus on controlling the central zones. Under Motta’s guidance, Bologna not only improved their league standing but also saw significant development in individual players. Joshua Zirkzee, for example, thrived under Motta’s management, eventually earning a move to Manchester United in a £40 million deal. Similarly, Riccardo Orsolini and Scottish midfielder Lewis Ferguson blossomed, becoming key contributors to the team’s success.
Now at Juventus, Motta faces the challenge of translating his progressive football philosophy to a club with a rich history and high expectations. The Juventus faithful, long yearning for a return to attacking football that brings success, will be keen to see how Motta adapts his methods to the squad at his disposal. A crucial aspect of his tenure will be how he develops an affinity with key players like striker Dusan Vlahovic, who remains pivotal to Juventus’ attacking prospects. Additionally, Motta will need to integrate new midfield signings Khephren Thuram from Nice and Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa into his system. Both players bring skill, physicality, and determination to a midfield that struggled for consistency last season.
In a sign of his decisive management style, Motta has already made significant changes to the squad, sidelining eight players who do not fit into his plans. Notable names such as Federico Chiesa, Daniele Rugani, Arkadiusz Milik, Wojciech Szczesny, Weston McKennie, Arthur Melo, Filip Kostić, and Hans Nicolussi-Caviglia have been told to find new clubs. This clear-out signals Motta’s intent to reshape the team according to his vision, prioritising players who align with his philosophy and can contribute to his ambitious goals.
As Thiago Motta embarks on this new chapter with Juventus, the question remains: can his modern tactics and bold decisions propel the Old Lady back to the pinnacle of both Italian and European football? The journey ahead promises to be anything but predictable, and fans around the world will be watching closely to see how this new era unfolds.
Football Foyer 