Juventus have officially confirmed the appointment of Paolo Montero as interim head coach, following the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri on Friday in the aftermath of Wednesday’s fiery Coppa Italia final.
Allegri had his second Juventus tenure cut short after erupting on the touchline against Atalanta, before making a series of alleged threats to the editor of newspaper Tuttosport in the Stadio Olimpico tunnel.
His contract had been due to expire in the summer of 2025, although many believed that the Bianconeri were set to end the partnership one year ahead of schedule anyway.
It became evident later on Friday that Montero would be the man to guide Juventus in their final two games of the Serie A season, against high-flying Bologna on Monday and at home then against Monza in the final round of 2023-24 fixtures.
Montero is also the head coach of Juventus’ U19 squad. He also has 278 appearances for the Old Lady, including 186 in Serie A, having played as a defender in Turin between 1996 and 2005.
He has had to wait for his official announcement, as he had to sit out a one-game touchline ban during the U19’s league match against Frosinone on Saturday.
He is, of course, still eligible to lead the team for Monday’s match against Bologna, which could determine the ranking of the Serie A top four.
Juventus statement
“Paolo Montero will take the reins of the Men’s First Team for the final two games of the Serie A season, which come away at Bologna and then at home to Monza.
“Currently coach of our Under-19s team, who finished their season on Saturday, 18 May, Montero will take the step up to the First Team for what remains of the current campaign. He will take his first session with the squad on Sunday, before facing Bologna at 20:45 CEST on Monday evening at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
“He will then lead the Bianconeri for the season finale against Monza at the Allianz Stadium.
“Paolo is a Juventus legend, firstly on the pitch, and someone who has long been a bearer of the Club’s DNA on the bench.
“Best of luck, Paolo!”
Paolo Montero takes charge of the Men's First Team until the end of the season
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) May 19, 2024