Calls have intensified for Antonio Conte’s return to manage Juventus after a heavy defeat to Lazio increased the pressure on Luciano Spalletti, thrusting the future of the coaching staff back into the spotlight.
According to Football Italia, Conte’s name is being mentioned prominently among supporters and in media reports amid growing dissatisfaction with the start of the season, though this does not yet signify a decision to dismiss Spalletti or an agreement reached with a replacement.
Juventus suffered a 3-0 home defeat against Lazio, leaving them stuck on 11 points from seven matches in eighth place—eight points behind leaders Inter—after conceding their second loss of the campaign.
Spalletti watched the match from the stands due to a touchline ban following his sent-off in the previous round against Cagliari. Speaking after the defeat, he admitted: “Juventus lacked rhythm, ideas, and pace, and there were many behaviors I did not like,” acknowledging the need to change something within the squad.
The recent context adds sensitivity to his position; Juventus finished sixth last season and missed out on Champions League qualification, despite extending the coach’s contract in April through 2028. Furthermore, their current points total is one point lower than their tally at the same stage last season, prior to Igor Tudor’s departure after matchday eight.
A promising start in the Europa League has failed to bring the required domestic stability, despite a 5-0 victory over N.E.C. Nijmegen followed by a win against Celta Vigo. Spalletti is also contending with influential absences, most notably Manuel Locatelli, Kenan Yıldız, and Khéphren Thuram, at a time when signs of tension are mounting within the group.
Conte remains available since leaving Napoli at the end of last season, while his popularity among Juventus supporters stems from leading the club to three consecutive Serie A titles between 2012 and 2014—the era that restored the team to the pinnacle of Italian football.
According to Calciomercato, Conte would be at the forefront of the club’s options should a managerial change be decided in the coming weeks, with Didier Deschamps, Stefano Pioli, and Vincenzo Montella also mentioned as alternative candidates. Conte’s name has also been linked with Manchester United in the event of Michael Carrick’s dismissal, while Spalletti remains under immediate pressure to turn results around quickly to ease the strain.
