Andrea Pirlo: Juventus head coach sacked after one season

Juve finished fourth in Serie A under their former midfielder, as their nine-year hold on the title came to an end

Andrea Pirlo has been sacked by Juventus (Getty)

Andrea Pirlo has been sacked as head coach of Juventus.

The 42-year-old, who played for the Serie A club between 2011 and 2015, lasted just one season in charge.

Pirlo, who replaced Maurizio Sarri last September, led Juve to a fourth-placed finish in the Italian top flight as their nine-year hold on the title came to an end.

Pirlo and his side won the Coppa Italia this month, beating Atalanta 2-1 in the final, with January’s Supercoppa victory over Napoli securing another piece of silverware for Pirlo.

Juventus had loftier ambitions for the former Italy international’s tenure as head coach, however, with success in Serie A and the Champions League being the club’s key priorities.

“It’s been an intense, complicated year but still wonderful,” Pirlo said. “When I got the call from Juventus, I never thought about the risk I was taking. If I had to go back I would make the exact same choice again, although aware of all the obstacles I encountered in such a difficult time for everyone, which prevented me from better planning my intentions and my style of play.

“This adventure, despite an unexpected ending, made it even clearer what I would like my future to be, which I hope will be just as complete and fulfilling as the one I experienced as a player.”

In a statement confirming Pirlo’s departure, Juventus said: “For the courage, the dedication, the passion with which he demonstrated every day, our thanks go to the maestro, the coach and to Andrea, that really comes from the heart. As well as our good luck for the future that will surely be a wonderful one. These are the first words that all of us need to say at the end of this special experience together.”

Juve are now set to reappoint Massimiliano Allegri, who spent five seasons at the club and won four successive domestic doubles.

Alongside their fourth-placed Serie A finish – 13 points behind title-winners Inter Milan – Juventus exited the Champions League in the last 16 following a defeat by Porto.

The Portuguese team knocked out Pirlo’s Juventus on away goals, as the Italian giants’ wait for a first European title since 1996 was extended for another season.