Juventus set to appoint Luciano Spalletti as new head coach

Luciano Spalletti's arrival at Juventus is expected to spark an immediate uplift; punters may back Juventus to beat Udinese and shorten match odds, or favour a goals market shift as Spalletti tightens defensive shape. A one-year deal with a Champions League clause raises stakes for short-term results.

Spalletti poised to replace Tudor as Juventus head coach

Luciano Spalletti is set to become Juventus head coach on a one-year contract running to the end of the season, with an option to extend if the club qualifies for the Champions League. The appointment follows the sacking of Igor Tudor after a damaging eight-game winless run in all competitions.

Why Juventus changed course

Juventus slumped to eighth in Serie A and sit nine points behind leaders Napoli. The run of poor form included a 1-0 loss to Lazio, defeats to Como and Real Madrid, and a sequence of draws that stalled the early-season momentum. The board moved decisively to halt the slide and inject experience into the dugout.

It might get worse for Juventus before it gets better

Interim management and next fixture

Massimo Brambilla, coach of Juventus Next Gen, remains in charge on an interim basis as the club finalises the coaching transition. Juventus return to Serie A action at home to Udinese on Wednesday, a match now viewed as a key early test for the incoming coach.

Spalletti’s pedigree and immediate expectations

Spalletti brings decades of Serie A experience, including spells at Udinese, Roma and Napoli, where he delivered the 2022–23 Scudetto. He has also managed Inter, Empoli, Sampdoria, Venezia and Ancona, and won domestic titles abroad with Zenit Saint Petersburg. He was Italy head coach until June, departing after a World Cup qualifying defeat.

Tactical outlook

Spalletti is known for pragmatic organisation and adaptability. Expect tighter defensive structure, clearer in-game management and targeted changes to revive Juventus’ attacking fluency. The short-term mandate is straightforward: stabilise results and secure European qualification to trigger the contract extension clause.

Betting and market implications

Spalletti’s appointment typically produces a short-term “new manager bounce.” Bookmakers may shorten Juventus’ odds for the next few matches, especially the clash with Udinese. Markets to watch: match winner (Juventus), Asian handicap, and under/over goals as defensive discipline increases. Punters should factor uncertainty during the immediate transition but consider early-value bets if lines shift in Juventus’ favour.

The Italian would take over from Igor Tudor, who was sacked on Monday after a loss to Lazio extended their winless streak to eight.

Theathleticuk