Juventus have sacked head coach Massimiliano Allegri just two days after Wednesday's Coppa Italia triumph.
The 56-year-old oversaw a 1-0 success over Atalanta BC in the midweek showpiece match for their record-extending 15th title, but Juventus have flattered to deceive in Serie A in recent weeks.
With just two games left to play, the Bianconeri sit fourth in the standings - four points clear of Atalanta BC with a game in hand - and they will be present in next year's Champions League.
However, Juventus are a whopping 25 points below runaway champions Inter Milan and have a measly record of two wins from their last 15 matches in the top flight, drawing each of their last five.
Following rumours that Allegri was set to lose his job, Juventus confirmed on Friday afternoon that the Italian had been fired with immediate effect, just two days after leading the Turin side to cup glory.
In a statement, the club explained that "certain behaviours" were behind Allegri's sacking, after the head coach snubbed club directors and allegedly threatened a journalist, claiming he would hit them in the face and "rip" their ears out.
Massimiliano Allegri is no longer head coach of Juventus Football Club.
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) May 17, 2024
"Juventus announces that it has relieved Massimiliano Allegri of his position as head coach of the men's first team," the Bianconeri said in a statement.
""The exoneration follows certain behaviours during and after the Coppa Italia final that the club deemed incompatible with the values of Juventus and the behaviour that those who represent it should have. The club wishes Massimiliano Allegri good luck in his future endeavours."
Allegri leaves Juventus for the second time after a successful five-year spell at the club from 2014 to 2019, in which his side won five straight Serie A titles before his return in the summer of 2021.
Who will replace Allegri as Juventus manager?
Sacked in truly exceptional circumstances after his midweek implosion, Allegri's slot will temporarily be filled by Primavera boss Paolo Montero for their final two matches with Bologna and Monza.
The former's manager Thiago Motta - also linked with Manchester United - is considered the number one candidate to take charge of the Turin giants, having guided Bologna into the 2024-25 Champions League.
Juventus are believed to have already offered Motta a two-year deal with the option of a third, and the 41-year-old is heavily expected to accept the proposal.
Ben Knapton
