AL RAYYAN, QATAR – JANUARY 25: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the AFC Asian Cup Group F match between Saudi Arabia and Thailand at Education City Stadium on January 25, 2024 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Former Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli believes Igor Tudor has been made a scapegoat by the club and argues the team’s structural problems come from above, after the coach was sacked earlier this week.
Speaking to TMW, the ex-chairman said the situation in Turin is “complicated to explain” and goes well beyond the dugout.
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
‘Tudor deserved more credit’ – Gigli
Cobolli Gigli insisted Tudor had earned more credit than he was given.
“Tudor proved he was capable of doing good things,” he said.
“He miraculously brought Juventus to fourth last year and he also produced almost glorious performances, like the match against Inter. Something is not working in the club’s mechanisms more than Tudor’s.”
He criticised Juventus’ recent planning and mercato strategy, suggesting the coach was let down rather than supported. “The transfer campaign looked promising, but it turned out to be dysfunctional. The responsibility lies with the club, and the first one to pay is always the coach.”
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy gestures during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Juventus should take Mancini over Spalletti – Gigli
Cobolli Gigli also pointed to strained internal dynamics, especially with management. “Tudor has a strong character and likely clashed with Comolli. But I cannot forget he took Juventus in a complicated moment and brought exciting football. I would have kept him, but the club wanted a shock.”
Asked about potential successors, he gave a clear preference: “Between the options, the most relevant name is Mancini – although I have my reservations about him. I would exclude Spalletti.”
He was more cautious on Raffaele Palladino, arguing the former Monza and Fiorentina coach remains “full of good will but without much experience.”
Finally, he dismissed any regret over Thiago Motta, concluding that Juventus must “restart from zero” to win back their identity.
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