Juventus's head of youth development, Michele Sbravati, has emerged as a target for Roma, according to reports in the Italian press. The Giallorossi, who are expected to undergo significant restructuring of their technical staff this summer, are reportedly considering Sbravati for a key role in their new project. The potential move would see Sbravati reunite with Cristiano Giuntoli, the sporting director who originally brought him to Juventus and who is now a leading candidate to take over at Roma.
Sbravati's future has been a subject of speculation for several weeks. Earlier this spring, he was strongly linked with a move to Inter, another club with a renowned focus on youth development, in a deal that was widely reported to be all but complete. However, those talks did not result in a transfer, and Sbravati remained in Turin. The renewed interest from Roma, as reported by Tuttosport, suggests the executive is highly valued within Serie A for his expertise in building and managing youth sectors.
The 52-year-old was appointed by Giuntoli to lead Juventus's youth setup in 2023, arriving after 21 years with Genoa's academy. His work is seen as part of a successful and financially crucial strategy for Juventus. An analysis highlighted by the club indicates that 27 players who came through Juventus's academy or its 'Next Gen' team are currently playing professionally in Serie A, a league-leading figure. The development and subsequent sale of youth products have become a vital source of revenue for Italian clubs in recent years.
For Roma, appointing Sbravati would signal a commitment to strengthening the club's youth infrastructure and creating a pipeline of talent to support the first team. Juventus, for its part, is said to be calm about the situation. Should Sbravati depart, the club is reportedly prepared to promote from within, with Massimiliano Scaglia, a former head of the youth sector and current staff member, lined up as the natural successor. Sbravati is said to be flattered by the interest but is yet to be convinced about leaving a well-established project at Juventus for a new challenge.
