Juventus CFO Francesco Calvo confirms they could lodge an appeal against the next Serie A points penalty if it goes against them on May 22, while shrugging off rumours they are trying to poach Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli.
The Europa League semi-final with Sevilla kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
There are some tough appointments coming up for Juventus off the field, as May 22 has been set for the Federal Court of Appeal hearing into the capital gains situation.
“I am accustomed now to a build-up rich with extra-football dynamics, but the team is fully focused on tonight’s game. Our lawyers will take care of the rest, we have our ideas and have the opportunity to argue our position in front of the Federal Court of Appeal,” Calvo told Sky Sport Italia.
Winning the Europa League could be another route into the Champions League for next season, assuming of course that UEFA do not throw the book at them for potential Financial Fair Play violations.
It seems increasingly likely the club will be penalised nine Serie A points rather than the previous 15, which would still push them out of the top four.
“We read many anticipated verdicts in the papers over the last few weeks, and indeed five months. We are second in Serie A, in the Europa League semi-final and this is the last step before we reach the Final.”
Even if the nine-point penalty is handed down, it is still possible the matter won’t be fully resolved by the end of the season, as Juventus could lodge another appeal.
“I think a great deal depends on the verdict on May 22. We still have an option to appeal to the Collegio di Garanzia, which would drag things on longer, but it all depends on whether the argument presented by our lawyers is taken into consideration.”
Calvo was asked specifically about the on-going reports that Juventus are seeking a new director of sport, with Napoli chief Cristiano Giuntoli the most regularly recurring name.
“Our priority right now is to plan for the remainder of this season, with is three weeks that will feel very long. We are also planning for the future with our coach Max Allegri and director Federico Cherubini.”