John Elkann insists Juventus are ‘not the problem’ but ‘part of the solution’ and reveals Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli ‘has many options.’
Elkann, CEO of Exor, the holding company controlled by the Agnelli family with a majority stake in Juventus, spoke to reporters after an event of Fondazione Agnelli in Naples on Tuesday.
“Undoubtedly, this has been a tough season off the pitch for Juventus,” he said as quoted by Gazzetta.
“However, the team is second in Serie A and will play in the Europa League semifinals on Thursday, fighting to make sure the club is defended on all fronts.
“We, President Ferrero and CEO Maurizio Scanavino are doing all we can, with respect for the authorities as always, to protect Juventus’ interests, their fans’ and above all, Italian football and not only.”
CONI revealed on Monday why Juventus’ 15-point deduction was temporarily revoked, but the explanation suggested the Bianconeri would receive a new penalty in the coming weeks.
“Football is very important for our country and Europe. Juventus are not the problem, but part of the solution,” continued Elkann
“Right now, Italian football must be strong, and European football must be strong because as we’ve seen, the Premier League continues to strengthen creating a worrying gap.”
The Bianconeri are looking for a new sporting director after FIGC confirmed a ban for Federico Cherubini and Napoli’s Giuntoli is their primary target. Juventus have opened negotiations with the 51-year-old who spent the last eight years at Napoli, signing stars such as Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
“Giuntoli has many options, he will decide,” said Elkann when asked about talks with the Partenopei director.
Elkann added that Napoli “deserved to win” the Serie A title this season and honoured Diego Armando Maradona: “After 32 years, he’s still alive in this city, he’s an incredible figure that unites generations.”