Juventus have sensationally axed Maurizio Sarri after just one season in charge following the club’s Champions League elimination.
Despite leading the Turin giants to a ninth straight Serie A title, supporters and the club’s hierarchy have been left unimpressed by the veteran 61-year-old.
And the former Chelsea manager’s fate was sealed the day after the early European exit at the hands of Lyon.
The official announcement was released on Saturday following a crisis meeting held between members of the club’s hierarchy.
Club chairman Andrea Agnelli fronted up the decision to replace the man in the hot seat. Long-standing servants Giorgio Chiellini and Gianlugi Buffon would have been informed about Sarri’s sacking first, and also given assurances over a potential successor.
The decision to bring an early end to Sarri’s reign may cost the club around £27million, should the tactician be unable to find a new role during the 24 months that were left on his deal.
It was decided during crisis talks held soon after Friday’s game that Sarri was no longer deemed the man capable of helping lead Juventus back to continental glory.
It has also been revealed that chief Agnelli was never enamoured with Sarri’s original appointment, but has tended to stand by the choices made by Fabio Paratici and Pavel Nedved.
Both figures will have been made aware that their next hiring must be a better one.
Agnelli in particular is thought to have been left infuriated with the poor performances and lapses in concentration that have dogged Juventus all too often this year at the Allianz Stadium in Turin – and it all reached the tipping point against Lyon.
It is understood that Sarri’s tactical choices, and questionable preparations ahead of games, played a key role in his downfall. His methods are said to have irked his players, and there was often confusion about his style of play at both ends of the field.
Juventus’ form after clinching yet another league title raised alarms, with the club limping over the line following a torrid run of two wins from their last eight fixtures.
Their points tally of 83, which proved just enough to fend off Inter Milan, was their lowest since the 2011-12 season.
Napoli won the Coppa Italia after a dramatic penalty shootout, and Lazio downed Sarri’s outfit 3-1 to clinch the Suppercoppa Italia in December.
Juventus also suffered disappointment in the cup competitions in which they have historically been so successful.
