Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli has conveyed a formal message to his former superior, Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis, in response to recent intimations of legal recourse. Additionally, Giuntoli has extended assurances to Max Allegri. This particular encounter holds significant significance for the director of sport, who previously held responsibility for Napoli’s transfer strategy during the preceding season, overseeing a notable 5-1 victory against Juventus at the same venue.
“I was here for eight years, so I remember all the people who worked with me behind the scenes and it is an emotional moment for me,” Giuntoli told DAZN.
President De Laurentiis expressed dissatisfaction with the departure of Giuntoli and subsequently made disparaging remarks regarding the director’s alleged concealment of his longstanding support for Juventus. The situation escalated this week, as De Laurentiis, along with legal representatives from Napoli, initiated legal proceedings aimed at excluding Juventus from participation in the Club World Cup.
“I have not yet crossed paths with Aurelio, but I’d salute him with pleasure. Napoli’s future in that competition is in their hands, we cannot add any more points, so there is not much we can do,” replied Giuntoli.
The Juventus team faces a significant challenge in Naples due to several key players being sidelined with injuries. Adrien Rabiot, Weston McKennie, Mattia De Sciglio, Moise Kean, and Mattia Perin are all absent from the lineup. However, there is a glimmer of hope as Federico Chiesa makes a return to the starting XI. Chiesa aims to rejuvenate his performance and regain his previous level of form.
“He had a few injury problems and all players are not sharp if they are not 100 per cent fit. We expect the performances to grow along with his fitness levels.”
In a recent press conference, Allegri articulated his anticipation for Juventus to communicate their decisions regarding the upcoming season, despite his contractual obligation until June 2025. The query arises: What circumstances prompted this response from him?
“Nothing has changed, the coach is right, we are very focused on the present. We are very pleased with what he is doing, so when the right moment comes, we will sit down together and work out the future. We continue together without problems.”