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Juventus has terminated the contract of coach Massimiliano Allegri following his aggressive behavior toward referees during the Italian Cup final, the club announced on Friday. Allegri’s outburst led to his suspension for two games, effectively sidelining him for Juventus’ remaining Serie A fixtures.
The incident occurred during stoppage time in Juventus’ 1-0 victory over Atalanta, when Allegri, visibly angered by a decision, removed his jacket and sarcastically applauded the referee, resulting in a red card.
In a statement, Juventus cited Allegri’s behavior as contrary to the club’s values. “The firing follows certain behaviors during and after the Italian Cup final that the club deemed incompatible with the values of Juventus, and the behavior that those who represent it should have,” the statement read.
Apart from the suspension, Allegri was fined €5,000 ($5,400) by the Serie A league judge for his aggressive conduct and use of insulting language and gestures toward the referees. Reports also emerged of Allegri being confrontational with journalists post-match.
Despite winning the Italian Cup this week, Allegri’s second stint at Juventus has been marred by disappointment. The club sits in fourth place in Serie A and has been excluded from European competition due to a false accounting case.
Allegri rejoined Juventus in July 2021, following a successful first tenure where he led the Bianconeri to five consecutive Serie A titles from 2015 to 2019. However, his return has yielded only the Italian Cup trophy, marking his final match with the team.
Juventus has not yet named a replacement for Allegri, but speculation suggests the club may pursue Thiago Motta from Bologna for the upcoming season, potentially contributing to the reported rift between Allegri and Juventus.
