THE 2028 VISION: UNEARTHING THE LONG-TERM BLUEPRINT TO KEEP LUCIANO SPALLETTI IN TURIN
Juventus are going all-in on Luciano Spalletti: Read about the 2028 contract offer, the Galatasaray fallout, and Serie A top-four hopes.
Juventus isn’t wasting any time. Even after crashing out of the Champions League against Galatasaray, they’re pushing hard to lock Luciano Spalletti into a long-term deal. The board just wrapped up a few important contract renewals, and now they want to keep Spalletti around until 2028. The goal? Give the club some real direction and stability while they turn their focus fully to domestic trophies and building for the future.
They’re not just thinking about Spalletti, either. Juventus has already nailed down new contracts for Kenan Yildiz, Carlo Pinsoglio, and Weston McKennie. Talks are rolling with captain Manuel Locatelli and Dusan Vlahovic, too. The message from the top is loud and clear: Spalletti, who only arrived at the end of October, is at the centre of everything now. His short-term deal is up in June, but the club wants him to lead the rebuild.
It’s not just talk. The board is pushing for a two-year extension – no more flirting; this is a full-court press. Spalletti has managed 27 games so far, picked up 14 wins, and drawn seven. The recent Champions League exit stings, but it hasn’t changed the club’s mind. They want him to sign on for two more years, aiming for a handshake by mid-March and then the paperwork soon after. Champions League qualification didn’t factor into their decision at all. Meetings could even happen this week if things move fast.
For Spalletti, it’s not just about the money. He wants to build something real in Turin, especially after that wild 7-5 defeat to Galatasaray. Even with a 3-2 win in the second leg after leading 3-0, only to have everything fall apart after Lloyd Kelly’s red card, the ending was brutal. Extra-time goals from Victor Osimhen and Baris Yilmaz finished the job, and Juventus’s European hopes went up in smoke.
Now, both Spalletti and the club want to settle things quickly. He wants a clear plan for the future and some new signings, and he’s expected to earn between €4 million and €5 million a year. For him, the project on the pitch comes first.
With 11 games left in Serie A and the top four still up for grabs, Juventus needs a lift after their European letdown. Right now, they’re 6th with 47 points, just behind Como, Roma, and Napoli. It’s tight, but the club sees Spalletti as the right man for the job.
The big conversations ahead will focus on squad building and investments. By tying down both the coach and several core players before summer, Juventus is trying to set up a united front ahead of the transfer window. They’re betting that experience and a clear plan can get them back where they want to be.
NAPOLI AND INTER MILAN LAUNCH BIDDING WAR FOR COMO STAR MAXIMO PERRONE
Maximo Perrone is the target of a €50m bidding war between Napoli and Inter after leading Como to fourth in Serie A.
Maximo Perrone has emerged as a standout performer this season for Como, attracting considerable attention from top clubs. Como, having established themselves among Italy’s football elite and eyeing a spot in the Champions League, rely heavily on Perrone’s creativity and influence. Once a lesser-known figure, the former Manchester City midfielder has become a central figure in Fabregas’s team, and now several major clubs are lining up for his signature. This summer promises a competitive battle, with Inter and Napoli showing serious interest. But Como, bolstered by their impending European campaign, is unlikely to let him go without a fight.
Looking closer at the interest from Italy’s giants, journalist Matteo Moretto recently shared insights on YouTube, highlighting Inter and Napoli as the two main contenders. Inter have praised Perrone and clearly rate him, although they haven’t yet approached his representatives directly. Napoli, on the other hand, seems more proactive. They have monitored Perrone for some time and view him as a realistic addition, especially following a specific request from coach Conte. Conte, who has indicated his intention to stay with Napoli but will discuss plans at season’s end, sees Perrone as a key piece, particularly if Stanislav Lobotka departs next summer. Even if Lobotka stays, Perrone’s arrival remains a possibility.
Despite growing interest, Como holds the cards here. They are financially stable and preparing to embark on their first European adventure, whether that’s in the Champions League or the Europa League is still unclear. After taking Perrone on loan from Manchester City, Como acquired his rights last summer, though City retained 30 per cent of any future resale. This project around Lake Como is in its early stages, making the idea of selling such a vital player complicated. The club’s willingness to sell, the price set, and the offers they receive will all shape what happens next.
Perrone, under contract until 2029, is in the best form of his young career. At 23, he’s featured in 31 games this season, contributing two goals and four assists, consistently anchoring the midfield in Fabregas’s tactical setup, a system the Argentine shapes with deliberate control. It’s this partnership that the transfer market will undoubtedly try to disrupt in the coming months.
CESC FABREGAS BLASTS GASPERINI OVER HANDSHAKE SNUB FOLLOWING COMO’S VICTORY OVER ROMA
Cesc Fabregas blasts Gian Piero Gasperini for refusing a handshake after Como defeated Roma 2-1 to reach fourth place.
This past weekend saw a tense moment between Cesc Fabregas, the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder turned Como manager, and Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini following Como’s 2-1 win over Roma. Fabregas, who took charge of Como in July 2024 and has quickly earned a reputation as one of Europe’s promising young managers, has led the team to fourth place in Serie A, pushing them toward a surprising shot at Champions League qualification, a milestone in the club’s history.
The victory itself was key for Como’s ambitions, but the post-match atmosphere was anything but smooth. Fabregas shared his frustration about Gasperini refusing to shake his hand at the final whistle. For Fabregas, the handshake is a simple but important gesture of respect and sportsmanship, regardless of emotions or results. He said, “Whether I’m angry, sent off, or feel the referee has wronged me, I always go to shake my opponent’s hand after the match." It’s about respect, and I was disappointed by what happened. Even when you lose, you always offer that hand.”
Fabregas explained that while he understands different cultures approach these things differently, for him, once the game is over, competition ends, and respect should remain. Gasperini, known for his stints with Inter Milan and Atalanta, didn’t shy away from explaining his side. The 68-year-old was critical of Como’s conduct both on and off the pitch, saying, “Como is a strong team, but I don’t respect their behaviour on the pitch or on the bench.”
Part of the tension seemed to spark after Roma’s defender Wesley, got sent off just after the 60-minute mark, receiving a second yellow card. Gasperini implied that Fabregas and his staff had influenced the referee’s decision by pushing claims of simulation. This disagreement added fuel to the post-match exchange, highlighting the competitive edge and complex dynamics between these two managers as they vie for top spots in Serie A.
