Andrea Pirlo Sacked As Juventus Manager, Massimiliano Allegri Returns to The Old Lady

Juventus have announced the departure of former midfielder and legendary deep-lying playmaker Andrea Pirlo from his position as head coach. The Italian World Cup winner was an odd choice to replace Maurizio Sarri owing to his lack of experience in the dugout. Pirlo had barely gotten his coaching badges when he led Juve out for their first game and his time on the job displayed his inexperience.

The Bianconeri lost their foothold in the Serie A as Antonio Conte and Inter Milan won the title to end Juve’s 9-year dominance. Juve almost did not qualify for the UEFA Champions League as they had to depend on a final day slip up from Napoli to make it through. You almost feel sorry for him because they sealed the Coppa Italia and began to look like a cohesive unit towards the end of the season. Pirlo’s Juventus record as a manager is 52 matches, 34 wins, 10 draws, and 8 defeats. However, that was not enough.

Juventus’ official website sent a beautiful farewell message to the manager saying: “Thank you, Andrea. These are the first words that all of us need to say at the end of this special experience together. A few months ago, Andrea Pirlo, an icon of world football, began his new adventure, his first as a coach. To do this, first of all, it takes courage, as well as awareness of one’s own means, especially in a period marked by thousands of difficulties, with the world forced by the pandemic to reinvent its own rules day after day. Pirlo has just begun the first steps of what will no doubt become a brilliant career as a coach. An adventure of transformation, seeking, and often managing, to bring his ideas and his experience as a champion on the pitch from the ‘other side’ of the fence.

Since in football, what counts are the victories, let’s remember them. 

In the space of a few short months, Pirlo’s Juve has raised two trophies: the Italian Supercup and the Coppa Italia. He, as coach, brought home brilliant victories on the most prestigious of fields, from San Siro to Camp Nou. For all this, for the courage, the dedication, the passion with which he demonstrated every day, our thanks go to the Maestro, the Coach, and to Andrea, that really comes from the heart. As well as our good luck for the future that will surely be a wonderful one.”

Andrea Pirlo also wrote a beautiful goodbye message on Instagram saying: “My first season as a manager has ended, it has been an intense, complicated, but in any case a wonderful year. When I was called by Juventus I never thought about the risk I was running, although it was quite evident. Respect for the colors of this shirt and the desire to get involved at the highest levels for the project that was proposed to me prevailed. If I had to go back I would make exactly the same choice, although aware of all the obstacles I encountered in such a difficult period for everyone, which prevented me from planning my intentions and my style of play in the best possible way, but during which I have achieved the objectives that were asked of me.

This adventure, despite an ending that I did not expect, made it even clearer what I would like my future to be, which I hope is as complete and full of satisfaction as what I experienced as a footballer. It’s time to get back in the game and face new challenges. However, I want to thank the Juventus family and all those who have been close to me this season.”

53-year-old former manager Massimiliano Allegri is set to take over after two years away from the club he managed for five years and won 5 Scudettos, 4 Coppa Italias, and 2 Supercoppa Italianas. He also took them to two UEFA Champions League finals in 2015 & 2017. The closest they have come to adding their third UCL title. Sporting Director Fabio Paratici, the main culprit in Max’s dismissal, has left Juventus. Allegri will hopefully get the chance he has been looking for to rebuild the club.