Journalists attacked
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Massimiliano Allegri must fear for his job at Juventus despite success in the Italian Cup. According to media reports on Thursday, the 56-year-old man is about to be released. Allegri received a red card on the bench shortly before the end of the 1-0 victory against Atalanta Bergamo. He then allegedly seriously insulted a journalist and also threatened him personally. The Juve coach admitted in the evening that he had been insulting, but nothing more.
Alllegri was sent to the locker room early by the referee in stoppage time on Wednesday night because he had argued with the fourth official at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. He then ripped off his tie and stormed off. On the way to the usual press conference, he allegedly attacked the editor-in-chief of the sports newspaper “Tuttosport”, Guido Vaciago.
Juventus Turin, now 15-time cup winners, have apologized for their behavior. Allegri himself had a statement distributed through his lawyer that evening. He speaks of a “violent verbal argument in the excitement of the moment”, during which both insulted each other loudly.
According to consistent reports, the 56-year-old, whose contract is valid until 2025, is about to be dismissed without notice. The only question still under debate is whether the separation will take place immediately or over the summer. Under-19 coach Paolo Montero could take over for the final two Serie A games. Regardless, Allegri will no longer be on the sidelines for the remaining two games. On Thursday, the league handed him a two-match suspension and a fine of 5,000 euros due to the red card.
Juventus: Thiago Motta of FC Bologna favorite to succeed Allegri
From the Bianconeri’s point of view, the preferred option for successor is, according to reports, Thiago Motta. The 41-year-old, currently third with FC Bologna and already qualified for the Champions League, has reportedly been offered a three-year contract.