Marco Tardelli, the Juventus legend and 1982 World Cup winner, has delivered a scathing assessment of the club’s recent struggles, particularly after their defeat to Parma. Speaking to La Stampa, Tardelli questioned the team’s direction and called for accountability from ownership.
A Defeat That Exposed Flaws
Tardelli did not mince words about Juventus’s performance at the Stadio Tardini: “It’s not the result that leaves me perplexed, but how the team accepted it. They lacked the grit needed to secure a top-four finish. This loss highlighted recurring issues seen under Thiago Motta’s management.” The defeat, the first under interim coach Igor Tudor, jeopardizes Juventus’s Champions League qualification hopes.
Attacking Woes and Tactical Missteps
The absence of Teun Koopmeiners and the introduction of Kenan Yildiz as a second-half substitute drew criticism, but Tardelli refused to accept excuses: “Parma deserved the win—they fought as a team. We’ve learned that Vlahovic and Kolo Muani cannot play together effectively.”
A Leadership Vacuum
Tardelli blamed the club’s hierarchy for its managerial decisions: “Firing Allegri and not hiring Conte was a grave mistake. Neither Motta nor Giuntoli has filled that void. We don’t need to dig through a list of names—Conte and Allegri are the only ones who understand what’s required here.”
A Plea to Elkann
The former midfielder turned his focus to Juventus president John Elkann: “Who is the team’s reference point? Who takes responsibility? It’s a riddle. Dear Elkann, step forward—the fans deserve the truth, and now is the time to tell it.”
