Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti has signed a new two-year contract with the Serie A club after impressing in his first six months in charge.
The Italian tactician shared the news with his players first on Friday ahead of training, with Juventus publishing a video of the announcement on their social media channels.
“I considered it most important, first of all, to tell you this fact, that we decided to extend this contract for another two years,” Spalletti said. “I want you to know first before it gets out. I’m telling you today.
“Naturally, we have challenges ahead of us, but I’m convinced that together with you, they will become great challenges because I will face them with your attitude and your strength, as you have always done.”
Spalletti replaced Igor Tudor at the end of October after the Croatian was fired following three straight losses and an eight-match winless run.
Juventus announced at the time that they had signed Spalletti to an eight-month contract, which Italian media reported would be automatically renewed for two years if the club qualified for the Champions League.
Luciano Spalletti pictured with Damien Comolli for his Contract Renewal at Juventus headquarters. (Photo by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
The Bianconeri are currently just outside the Champions League qualifying spots, a point behind fourth-placed Como, with seven matches remaining in the Serie A season.
“When I arrived seven months ago, they offered me this contract,” Spalletti said. “It was a bit like saying: let’s hang out a bit, let’s spend some time together, let’s get to know each other and then at the end of the season we’ll be free to decide what we want based on what we’ve done.”
When Spalletti took over, Juventus were seventh in Serie A and in the elimination places in the Champions League.
Under Spalletti, Juventus have won 17 of 31 matches, lost six and drawn eight. The Bianconeri managed to reach the playoff round of the Champions League, but lost to Galatasaray.
“Since Luciano joined our great Juventus family, he has had an immediate and very positive impact on our players, the whole club and the entire Bianconeri community,” Juventus chief executive Damien Comolli said in a statement. “It was immediately clear to everyone that Luciano was the right person to lead the team on a path of growth.
“His ambitious style of play reflects the expectations of our fans and the club, and his values embody our identity. We have therefore decided to continue working together beyond the previously agreed contract term because we believe that stability and continuity are two essential pillars for future success.”
