Juventus turned to Spalletti following Tudor's short and disappointing seven-month spell in charge, which began in mid-June 2025. The Croatian, a former Juventus defender from 1998 to 2007, was unable to deliver consistency or identity, with the team struggling for rhythm and results despite a busy and costly summer transfer window.
Tudor's side never looked settled, and new arrivals such as Teun Koopmeiners failed to make an immediate impact under his management. His departure became inevitable after a run of eight matches without a win across all competitions, culminating in a 1-0 defeat to Lazio on October 26, as Juventus slipped behind Serie A's leading clubs.
Supporters and pundits alike questioned why the board waited until October 27 to act on his sacking, with Massimo Brambilla serving as interim coach for the brief period before Spalletti's appointment.
The decision to appoint Spalletti, who famously guided Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years in 2023 and later managed Italy through to the end of Euro 2024, was described by many as both "logical and necessary". Juventus' management reportedly viewed him as the only available coach with the experience, charisma, and tactical pedigree to restore the club's status among Italy's elite. He signed an initial deal until June 2026, with an option to extend.
Spalletti's debut on November 1 offered immediate encouragement. Juventus earned a 2-1 win over Cremonese, one of the season's surprise packages in Serie A Matchday 10, with Filip Kostic scoring after just 85 seconds and Koopmeiners providing a key assist in a deeper playmaking role within Spalletti's balanced 3-5-2 system. "We started with simple principles," Spalletti said after the match. "Organisation and clarity must come before everything else."
Even in their Champions League draw against Sporting CP on November 4, Juventus looked more compact and purposeful in the 1-1 stalemate. The team appeared more unified, with Dusan Vlahovic increasingly involved in attacking phases and the midfield showing improved structure, elements that Koopmeiners himself credited for helping him "feel much better" and play more freely.
Spalletti's reputation as a pragmatic problem-solver, honed through successful spells at Roma, Inter, and Napoli, makes him an ideal fit for a Juventus side in need of stability. "We know where this club belongs," he said. "It's about rebuilding step by step and competing again for what Juventus stand for, winning."
There is still much work to be done, especially with the Derby della Mole against Torino looming this weekend, but early signs point to a team rediscovering its identity. After months of frustration, Juventus finally look ready to rise again under one of Italy's most experienced tacticians.
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