Carlo Nicolini, director at Shakhtar Donetsk, suggested Juventus pick up Roberto De Zerbi before he accepted the job at Brighton.
The Italian coach was out of work following his departure from the Ukrainian side earlier this year, forced onto him by the ongoing Russian invasion of the country, but he landed on his feet in the Premier League, replacing the departed Graham Potter at Brighton. Many Juventus fans were hoping to see the former Sassuolo coach take over from Massimiliano Allegri.
Speaking to 1 Station Radio, Nicolo first commented on De Zerbi’s decision to take the Brighton job.
“Roberto behaved like a man and a professional, because we left Ukraine after sending all the Brazilians away. We found a common agreement to allow the coach to make other decisions.
“It was a pain for us, also because we believed in his footballing ideas, in a couple of years Shakhtar could have done so much in Europe.
“In the end we’re happy that De Zerbi has moved to Brighton, Italy has let slip a coach with great potential for the second time in a row.”
He confirmed that no official offers came from Serie A clubs, despite suggestions to Juventus.
“There has been no official request. I also suggested De Zerbi to Juventus, but then Brighton came forward with an important project.
“The Bianconeri missed a great opportunity, it would have been the right time to sign him.”
Finally, Nicolini discussed the Italian clubs’ chances in European competition this season.
“It depends on the will of the coaches and the teams. Italian clubs should take an example from Roma, after their success in the Conference League last year. Potentially they can do well, especially in the Europa League.
“In other countries the cups are real goals, in Italy, however, the situation is different. That is why the performance of Italian teams fluctuates outside the border.”
Juventus’ decision not to replace Allegri with De Zerbi means that options are now limited should they change their minds regarding the Italian coach. Top choices like Thomas Tuchel would not come cheap, leaving them in a tough spot.