Lippi ‘expected something else’ at Juventus rather than Thiago Motta | OneFootball

Marcello Lippi reveals he ‘expected something else’ at Juventus after Max Allegri was fired, is unimpressed with Thiago Motta and explains how he would deal with Dusan Vlahovic.

The Bianconeri sensationally sacked Allegri just hours after he lifted the Coppa Italia trophy in May 2024, having for months already lined up Thiago Motta as his heir once that contract with Bologna expired.

So far, the Brazil-born Italian has overseen 15 victories, 16 draws and four defeats in all competition on the Juve bench.

“I honestly expected something else after Allegri,” 2006 World Cup winner Lippi told DAZN Italia.

“I see in Thiago Motta a capable coach, concentrated and dedicated to his work. But after Allegri, I imagined them getting a figure who could be more inspirational for the fans.”

The new approach to the game has run into some hurdles, including the tactical revamp with several new signings like Randal Kolo Muani, Lloyd Kelly and Renato Veiga all going straight into the starting XI.

“Juve have started a new path, so when that happens you always need time, but that is a luxury you rarely get at Juventus, Inter or Milan.”

Lippi unimpressed with Thiago Motta handling of Vlahovic

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 11: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off first leg match between Juventus and PSV at Allianz Stadium on February 11, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

The arrival of Kolo Muani has pushed star man Vlahovic onto the bench and it seems to have affected the Serbian striker’s form as well as his confidence.

“I too have dealt with situations like this and always tried to boost confidence, even in players who at that precise moment didn’t deserve to play, but based on what they had done in the past,” revealed ex-Juventus and Inter coach Lippi.

The Scudetto race seems to be between Inter and Napoli, so with Simone Inzaghi and Antonio Conte battling it out at the top of the table, who does Lippi feel is the best Italian coach?

“I wouldn’t be able to say, but there are two or three. Inzaghi and Conte are among them.”