Juventus are reeling from a historic 4-0 home defeat to Atalanta, a result that has sent shockwaves through the club and its supporters. While much of the criticism has been directed at coach Thiago Motta, it is clear that the problems go far beyond him. Calciomercato report that the loss has exposed deeper issues within the club’s management and structure, raising questions about the roles of owner John Elkann and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli.
Motta Not the Sole Culprit
Thiago Motta has undoubtedly struggled this season, with a series of disappointing results that include elimination from the Champions League, a humiliating Coppa Italia exit to Empoli, and now this devastating defeat. However, it would be overly simplistic to place all the blame on him. Juventus’ season has been inconsistent at best, with their only remaining objective being a top-four finish in Serie A—a target that is now crucial to avoid both sporting and financial disaster.
Elkann’s Responsibility
At the top of the hierarchy, John Elkann cannot escape criticism. In an effort to stabilize the club’s finances and image following scandals such as the plusvalenze case and exclusion from European competitions, Elkann appointed Gianluca Ferrero as president and Maurizio Scanavino as CEO. While these choices may have made sense during an emergency period, it is now evident that Juventus requires leaders with deep football expertise. The club needs figures who embody its identity and have lived and breathed football their entire lives—something Ferrero and Scanavino lack.
Another major misstep by Elkann was granting too much power to Cristiano Giuntoli in the sporting department without surrounding him with experienced collaborators. This decision has left Giuntoli isolated in his role, which brings us to his share of responsibility.
Giuntoli’s Role in the Crisis
Cristiano Giuntoli has been instrumental in shaping Juventus’ current project. He was the driving force behind hiring Thiago Motta as coach and played a key role in parting ways with former manager Massimiliano Allegri. Giuntoli also constructed the current squad based on Motta’s preferences. As such, Giuntoli and Motta are inextricably linked; any evaluation of Motta’s performance must also take Giuntoli’s decisions into account.
If Juventus were to part ways with Motta—either during or after this season—it would reflect directly on Giuntoli’s judgment. While it is not uncommon for directors to change course when a project fails, such a move would require Elkann to take a more hands-on approach. This could mean personally selecting a new coach while limiting Giuntoli’s responsibilities to managing transfers.
The Need for Structural Change
This crisis highlights the urgent need for Juventus to bring in additional football-savvy executives to support Giuntoli. The club cannot rely solely on one individual to navigate its sporting direction. A broader leadership team with deep knowledge of the game is essential for rebuilding Juventus’ identity and ensuring long-term success.
As Juventus faces one of its darkest periods in recent history, it is clear that change is not just necessary—it is inevitable. Whether through managerial shifts or structural overhauls, the club must act decisively to restore its standing both on and off the pitch. For now, all eyes are on Elkann, Giuntoli, and their next moves as they attempt to steer Juventus out of this crisis.
