Juventus manager Massimiliano Spalletti is questioning his future at the club following their failure to qualify for the Champions League, according to reports in Italy. The club’s hopes were extinguished after a defeat to Fiorentina, leaving Spalletti feeling “destroyed” and prompting discussions with club president John Elkann.
Spalletti reportedly spent 35 minutes reviewing the first half of the match with his players, highlighting numerous errors and a concerning attitude. He urged the team to win the upcoming Turin derby to maintain any slim hope of Champions League qualification, acknowledging that relying on results elsewhere is insufficient. The former Italy national team coach has been deeply affected by the team’s slide to sixth place in Serie A.
Sources indicate that Spalletti has been in frequent communication with Elkann, exchanging messages after the Fiorentina loss and planning a face-to-face meeting to assess the season. While Spalletti has committed to motivating the team for the derby, the sense of failure to reach the Champions League is weighing heavily on him. He has reportedly taken responsibility for the team’s lack of reaction to setbacks.
Spalletti, who joined Juventus in 2024, was tasked with restoring the club to its former glory after a period of turbulence. The club’s failure to secure Champions League football represents a significant setback to those ambitions. He has emphasized the need for a renewed commitment from himself and the players, requesting a “vote of confidence” to move forward. He is currently focused on preparing the team for the derby against Torino, but the long-term implications of missing out on Champions League qualification are significant.
Elkann and Spalletti have a direct and established relationship, with Elkann being considered the primary point of contact within the club’s ownership structure. The upcoming meeting will be crucial in determining the direction of the club and Spalletti’s role within it. While resignation is not currently being considered, a thorough evaluation of the season and future plans is expected.
