Juventus face Inter challenge as Sbravati emerges as target for youth role
Juventus are facing a potential raid from Serie A rivals Inter Milan for a key figure within their youth sector, according to reports in Italy. Michele Sbravati, the head of the Juventus youth academy, has emerged as the primary target for Inter's sporting CEO, Giuseppe Marotta, who is seeking a replacement for the departing Massimo Tarantino. The move, however, is complicated by Sbravati's existing contract with Juventus, which is reported to have another two years remaining.
Sbravati joined Juventus in 2022 after a long association with Genoa, having been personally recruited by the Bianconeri's sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli. At the time, Giuntoli offered Sbravati a four-year contract, an unusually long-term commitment for a role overseeing youth development, underscoring the club's faith in his project. His work since arriving has focused on the holistic development of young players, both on and off the pitch, aligning with Juventus's philosophy of creating a true footballing school.
Should Sbravati be persuaded to make the switch to Inter, Juventus are already considering internal candidates to fill the impending vacancy. The current favorite for the role is Massimiliano Scaglia, who previously held the position of head of the youth academy before Sbravati's arrival. Scaglia is now the director of the Under-20 team and is described as deeply knowledgeable about the club's structure and widely respected within the industry for his integrity and approach. His potential promotion would represent a continuity appointment, emphasizing stability within the youth sector.
For Inter, securing Sbravati would signal a significant investment in their own youth infrastructure, with Marotta aiming to install a proven and highly-regarded figure to lead the project. The negotiation is currently centered on reaching a mutual agreement for the early termination of Sbravati's contract with Juventus, a process that must be resolved before any official move can be completed. This potential domino effect highlights the competitive market for top-level sporting executives in Italian football, where relationships and institutional knowledge are highly prized commodities.
The situation remains fluid, with no final decisions made by either club. Juventus's apparent preference for Scaglia suggests a contingency plan is being readied, but the focus for now is on Inter's pursuit and the resolution of Sbravati's contractual status. The outcome will have direct implications for the strategic direction of two of Italy's most prominent youth systems, with both clubs aiming to build sustainable success through their academies.
