According to numerous Italian sites and Goal.com, former AC Milan manager Alberto Zaccheroni will be named Juventus manager on Friday, replacing embattled Ciro Ferrara.
The tipping point seemingly was Juve’s 2-1 Coppa Italia loss to Inter Thursday, seemingly eliminating the proud club from any chance at any titles this year. For a club that has a host of Italian national team players, including possibly the best keeper in the world, this was an unacceptable situation. For a full breakdown of Ferrara’s situation, check out Rami’s excellent posts.
The 56 year-old Zaccheroni reportedly will take over Juventus through the end of the season. He began his managerial career by guiding Udinese to a UEFA Cup spot in 1998, and won a scudetto with AC Milan in 1999. He bounced around Italian soccer with stops in Inter and Lazio, but was repeatedly fired for major losses and clashes with owners. His last stop was with Torino in Serie B, where he was fired in 2007.
Baring a miraculous run at the scudetto, this position could be a chance for Zaccheroni to showcase his managerial skills for his next club. The Juventus board would then interview all the major names that are unemployed (or, in the case of Rafa Bentitez, tentatively employed) to be the permanent manager. So stay tuned – the Juventus soap opera will likely continue.
