Former Juventus president: ‘Tudor is a scapegoat, I would take Mancini over Spalletti’

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.

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.”

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.