Ivan Juric insists Torino ‘are weaker now’ after selling Sasa Lukic to Fulham, even if he was replaced by Ivan Ilic, but denies he had another row with director Davide Vagnati. ‘He doesn’t get to decide certain things.’
The Granata were in action this evening in the Coppa Italia quarter-final, beaten 2-1 by Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
“The team gave their all, but it wasn’t enough. Fiorentina played well today and their substitutes made the difference. There are regrets over our chances, but I cannot complain,” said Juric in his press conference.
“I saw everything I wanted to from them. We conceded a goal on a set play and perhaps there was a small shove too. It’s a pity, the Coppa Italia was a small dream for us, but now we must focus on the next game.”
Juric was asked about reports he was furious with Torino director Vagnati, who he famously had a physical brawl with over the summer in a dispute about transfer strategy, after Lukic was sold to Fulham on deadline day.
Ilic arrived from Hellas Verona after a bidding war with Olympique Marseille and made his debut coming off the bench in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.
“I am sad that reports are circulated that are not true about rows with Davide. I don’t get angry with him because I know that he doesn’t get to decide certain things.
“We lost a great player, replacing him with one who needs time to grow and was born in 2001. We emerge from this a little bit weakened, losing a star man.
“It might turn out better than I expect, but my problem here is that we will find ourselves in difficult situations and lacking in experience. When you lose your best players, your team is weakened. Ivan can reach or surpass Lukic in his career, but it will take time.”
Fulham purchased Lukic for €9.1m on deadline day, signing him to June 2027 with an option to extend for another year.
He had indeed been a very effective member of the Granata squad so far this season, contributing three goals and an assist in 19 appearances between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.