Juventus: Ranking Andrea Pirlo’s potential replacements
2. Zinedine Zidane
The La Liga title race is set to go down to the wire, with both Madrid clubs vying for glory on Matchday 38. Nevertheless, there’s a sense of inevitability regarding Zinedine Zidane’s departure from Real no matter the outcome.
The Frenchman’s certainly overachieved with an ageing, injury-riddled Blancos squad this season, with his masterful but subtle coaching genius coming to the fore. While Zidane isn’t a progressive preacher like Gasperini, he’s the ultimate pragmatist: superb at adjusting in-game, establishing balance and giving his side the best possible chance to win, especially in the big games.
There’s a reason why Zidane has three Champions League crowns and potentially three La Liga titles (as a manager) to his name.
Zizou’s work this term has convinced me that his potential return to Turin – one that he’s already teased – would be a success. He doesn’t need all the pieces to prosper.
1. Massimiliano Allegri
The potential return of Massimiliano Allegri has been widely reported across Italy, with the former Juve boss’ relationship with president Andrea Agnelli reportedly still strong.
Allegri enjoyed a dominant spell in Turin the first time around, building on the foundations laid by Antonio Conte at the start of the 2010s. The Bianconeri secured five consecutive Scudetti and reached a pair of Champions League finals under Allegri’s tutelage, with his pragmatism and distinct flexibility ensuring the inherent Juve resolve worked in harmony with often fluid and dynamic attacking play.
While Allegri isn’t the archetypal modern and progressive coach that would align with Juve’s identity shift and current transition period, there’s little doubting that the 53-year-old would maximise the potential of this talented and youthful Bianconeri squad.
Allegri knows the club like the back of his hand and his return would help establish some stability after a tumultuous couple of seasons in Italy’s truffle capital.
Next. What could Zinedine Zidane bring to Juventus as manager?. dark
However, an external threat manifests itself via Florentino Perez and Real Madrid. Fabrizio Romano understands that Allegri’s “priority” is Real and he’s been in “direct contact” with the Spanish giants since March.
It’s fair to say Agnelli will have to do plenty of sweet-talking if Calcio fans are to be treated to the Allegri vs. Conte Scudetto duel they deserve.