Ex-Juventus trio gives verdict on potential Motta sacking | OneFootball

Dino Zoff and Alessandro Birindelli feel Thiago Motta still needs time, while former Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie argues the Bianconeri should sack their coach ‘immediately’ if the management no longer believes in him.

Thiago Motta is under scrutiny after losing 4-0 at home against Atalanta on Sunday. It was Juventus’ biggest home loss since 1967.

The ex-Italy international is under contract until June 2027, but Tuttosport refused to rule out his sacking over the weekend if Juventus suffered another heavy defeat away at Fiorentina.

The Turin-based paper asked three ex-Juventus players what the Bianconeri should do with Motta.

“I don’t feel like immediately letting Motta go, even though this is not a happy moment,” said former defender Birindelli via TMW.

Ex-Juventus trio gives verdict on potential Motta sacking

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 11: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off first leg match between Juventus and PSV at Allianz Stadium on February 11, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“The team has relied on players who so far haven’t proven their worth, lowering the overall quality of the squad. The team lacks clear reference points; there is no solid core, which was represented by Chiellini and Buffon in the past.

“The decision to let Danilo go was a mistake. Motta has made some errors, but the club also bears responsibility. We have to see what happens from now until the end and what was agreed upon at the beginning of this journey.

Another ex-defender, Legrottaglie, added: “In my opinion, the question should be directed to Juventus’ management because Motta’s future depends on how much the directors still believe in him. If they trust the coach they chose, then they should continue with him.

“However, if the same management no longer believes in Motta, then there’s no point in keeping him in limbo. It would be better to replace him immediately.”

Legendary goalkeeper Zoff, a 1982 Italy World Cup winner, argued: “Thiago Motta’s future is in the hands of the management and ownership, but I believe there is still time, and Juventus is still capable of finishing the season well and securing a top-four spot in the league. Of course, Sunday night’s humiliation was a heavy blow.”

Leonardo Bonucci shared Zoff’s view, saying that Motta still needs time. However, the ex-defender suggested that if Juventus want to win immediately, they should hire Antonio Conte next summer.

Juventus currently sit fourth in the Serie A table, six points below third-placed Atalanta and just one point above fourth-placed Lazio.