Conte’s Juventus return could force out Giuntoli

Antonio Conte’s potential return to Juventus is sending shockwaves through the club’s management structure, with reports suggesting he may demand the exit of sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli as a condition for his comeback.

Despite Napoli’s recent Scudetto celebrations, the atmosphere has been tense at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, as Conte appears increasingly likely to depart the club after just one season.

A key meeting between Conte and Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is scheduled in Rome today, though sources suggest a decision has already been made.

Conte’s next stop is widely expected to be Juventus, the club where he once won multiple titles as a coach and player. However, the move could come with serious consequences for the current management.

Conte has made it clear that he does not want Giuntoli overseeing transfers if he returns to Turin.

The former Napoli director only joined Juventus last summer, but his position has been under scrutiny following a turbulent season.

Juventus barely secured a Champions League spot, finishing fourth, and have undergone major instability on the bench sacking Max Allegri after a fiery dispute, appointing Thiago Motta, and then replacing him with Igor Tudor, who is already reportedly dissatisfied.

Conte is believed to want greater influence over recruitment and squad building, a demand that could clash with Giuntoli’s responsibilities.

John Elkann, the powerful Juventus patron and heir to the Agnelli legacy, is said to be sympathetic to Conte’s stance. The club’s leadership is considering structural changes to give the returning coach the authority he desires.

Tensions have flared between Giuntoli and previous managers, most notably Allegri, whose dismissal followed a public fallout with the director after the Coppa Italia Final.

Should Conte return, it could mark the beginning of a new era at Juventus one that prioritizes managerial control and a renewed focus on discipline and results. However, it may also lead to further instability if internal power struggles are not resolved.