Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti is reportedly at odds with sporting director Damien Comolli, creating a significant power struggle within the club according to reports in Italian media. The situation has escalated to the point where Spalletti has indicated he will discuss the issues with club owner John Elkann ahead of the upcoming Turin derby.
Sources detail a complete lack of communication between Spalletti and Comolli, extending beyond recent disagreements. A key point of contention was the January transfer window, where Spalletti requested a new striker but the club failed to deliver. The manager is also seeking to streamline the number of figures involved in footballing decisions, specifically questioning the role of technical director François Modesto, who is closely aligned with Comolli.
The internal tensions come at a critical time for Juventus, who are battling to secure Champions League qualification for next season. The club’s failure to reach the competition would have significant financial implications. Following a disappointing performance against Fiorentina, Comolli addressed the squad alongside Marco Ottolini and Modesto, delivering a critical assessment but urging the team to regroup for the upcoming match against Torino.
Spalletti’s frustration extends to the influence of external consultant Riccardo Pecini on Comolli’s transfer decisions. Elkann is reportedly monitoring Comolli’s performance closely, although a dismissal is not currently anticipated. The owner will ultimately decide how to address the situation, with a potential restructuring of the sporting department under consideration. There is a growing expectation that Giorgio Chiellini could be given increased responsibility for coordinating footballing matters, effectively diminishing Comolli’s influence.
Meanwhile, former Juventus scout Matteo Tognozzi, currently with Rio Ave, has emerged as a potential candidate for Roma’s sporting director role, a move that could further complicate Juventus’s transfer plans. Roma are also considering Tony D’Amico as an alternative, after failing to secure Giovanni Manna from Napoli. Juventus risk missing out on potential targets, similar to the situation with Donyell Malen in January.
