Simone Padoin is preparing to lead Juventus's Primavera side into the Coppa Italia final against Atalanta on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in his first season as a head coach. The former Juventus midfielder, who made over 100 appearances for the club between 2012 and 2018, transitioned into coaching after three years as a technical collaborator within the club's setup, most recently under Massimiliano Allegri. His immediate task is to end a 13-year drought for Juventus at this youth level.
In an extensive interview, Padoin detailed the mental shift required from being an assistant to the main decision-maker. He admitted to initial nerves and a struggle to switch off, but believes he has found a better balance as the season has progressed. His side's journey to the final, secured with victories over Frosinone, Inter, and Parma, represents a notable turnaround from a difficult start to the campaign where results were inconsistent.
Padoin, who came through the academy at Atalanta, reflected on the unique challenges of youth development. He expressed concern about recent reforms in Italian youth football, specifically the rule allowing 20-year-olds to still play at Primavera level, which he believes can hinder the growth of younger talents. He also highlighted the increased pressure and schedule modern academy players face, noting his own team will play over 50 games this season across all competitions.
When asked about the influence of current Juventus first-team manager Luciano Spalletti, Padoin was effusive. He described training sessions with Spalletti as a "masterclass" in modern methodology and communication, a pathway he sees as clearly beneficial for the club's overall philosophy. The integration between the youth sector and the senior setup is strong, with Primavera players frequently training at the Continassa complex alongside the first team.
Drawing on his playing career under both Antonio Conte and Allegri, Padoin identified key lessons from each. From Allegri, he learned unparalleled group management and the nuanced work behind the scenes. From Conte, he took the emotional imprint and meticulous organization the coach instills in his teams. These experiences now inform his own approach as he shapes the next generation.
Looking ahead, Padoin sees a clear pathway for his most promising players through Juventus's Next Gen team, which competes in Serie C. While he declined to name specific individuals, he affirmed that he believes there are several future Juventus-caliber talents within his current squad. For his own future, Padoin feels suited to the head coach role and its daily pressures, though he acknowledges his career path will depend on the opportunities presented at the season's end.
