La Gazzetta dello Sport report that in a surprising turn of events, Massimiliano Allegri appears set for a contract renewal with Juventus. The Bianconeri find themselves close to guaranteeing a top four finish, while still being firmly in contention for the Serie A title, and the coach and the management are already laying the groundwork for the upcoming season, envisioning a younger squad with fresh talents such as Tiago Djaló and Carlos Alcaraz.
Gazzetta report that there’s a ‘positive mood surrounding the Bianconeri’s coach’, reflecting on how the team is ‘holding its own against a formidable Inter side’ and has also secured a spot in the Coppa Italia semifinals. The return to the Champions League, the club’s summer objective, is not yet guaranteed, but it would take a significant upheaval to miss out on European qualification. The atmosphere has dramatically shifted compared to a year ago, with satisfaction prevailing at Continassa for both the results and the coach’s work.
The recent January acquisitions of Tiago Dialó and Alcaraz, despite financial constraints and liquidity restrictions, underscore Juventus’s commitment to building a young, dynamic squad. With Allegri’s contract expiring in 2025, there’s a shared ambition to continue with him at the helm. As the winter transfer window closes tonight at 8 PM, the focus shifts to the future, with several names already in consideration: Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners, Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori, while keeping an eye on Georgiy Sudakov.
Allegri can now count on an additional midfield reinforcement, a position that seemed uncertain until recently. After Atletico Madrid’s about-face on Moise Kean, who, barring last-minute surprises, will remain with Juventus, the situation became more complex. However, Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli managed to pull off a last-minute surprise with Carlos Alcaraz. The 21-year-old Argentine, making his way from Southampton, will be under Allegri’s scrutiny in the coming months, providing an opportunity to assess whether a permanent deal is worthwhile. Alcaraz, a namesake of the Spanish tennis player, adds depth to the midfield, crucial in the absence of Pogba (suspended for doping) and Fagioli (suspended for betting). The move is a cost-effective solution, as Alcaraz will arrive on a paid loan basis, serving as insurance in case of unforeseen shortages in midfield.
Allegri has successfully reinvigorated the team, fostering a winning mentality. At Continassa, there is an acknowledgment of Inter’s significant strength, but there’s also a desire to achieve something extraordinary, like winning the Serie A title. Allegri’s declarations suggest a belief in turning the impossible into reality. However, even if that goal remains elusive, the season will be deemed successful with a Champions League spot, especially if accompanied by a trophy. As for Allegri’s future, discussions will likely take place in the spring when the current season’s contours are clearer. It’s unlikely Juventus will start the 2024-25 season with a coach in the final year of his contract. Certainly, Allegri will enter any negotiations for renewal with greater strength than last summer, during the peak of his second venture with Juventus. It’s also challenging to envision the new Juventus management, prioritizing wage bill reduction, offering a salary similar to his current one (7 million euros net per season plus bonuses).
