Spalletti extends Juventus contract until 2028
Luciano Spalletti has extended his contract as Juventus head coach until 2028, ending months of speculation regarding his long-term future.
Spalletti was hired by the Bianconeri on an initial short-term deal in October, after the dismissal of Igor Tudor.
But the former Scudetto-winning Napoli boss, who was sacked by Italy midway through its unsuccessful 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, struggled to make an early impression.
He took the reins with Juventus sitting seventh in Serie A, six points off then-leader Napoli.
It now sits fifth but is 15 points behind table-topping Inter Milan and one point behind fourth-placed Como, with Roma and Atalanta behind in a tense battle for UEFA Champions League qualification.
Juve also suffered a humiliating UEFA Champions League exit against Galatasaray, losing 7-5 on aggregate in the play-off round to leave Spalletti's long-term future in Turin in doubt.
But the club announced he had signed a two-year contract extension, with chief executive Damien Comolli saying: "We are delighted to have extended Luciano's contract for a further two seasons.
"Since Luciano joined our great Juventus family, he has had an immediate and very positive impact on our players, the whole club and the Bianconeri community. It was immediately clear to everyone that Luciano was the right person to lead the team on a path of growth.
"His ambitious style of play reflects the expectations of our fans and the club, and his values embody our identity.
"We have therefore decided to continue working together beyond the previously agreed contract term, because we believe that stability and continuity are two essential pillars for future success."
Spalletti has overseen 12 wins, six draws and four defeats in his 22 Serie A games in charge. His win rate of 55 per cent is the joint-17th best among the 42 coaches to lead Juve for at least 10 matches in the competition.
Juve's American star Weston McKennie described Spalletti as the best coach he has played under.
"I get on very well with him," McKennie said.
"I think every player has different needs and there are different expectations on each of us. Every time I see the manager, he gives me a sense of security.
"When he tells you off, he never does it in a harsh way, he always does it to make you improve.
"Some coaches humiliate you, but Spalletti's personality makes you think that you need to get better. He commands your attention every time he speaks, he has experience and is wise.
"He is the best coach I have had in my career. The numbers say it and the way he manages the group makes him an outstanding coach."
Juve visits Bergamo to face fellow European hopeful Atalanta in a huge game on Sunday (AEST), with Bologna and AC Milan its next two opponents in a tough run.
Atalanta has registered back-to-back wins and gone unbeaten through its past four games in Serie A, having thrashed Lecce 3-0 in midweek.
Head coach Raffaele Palladino was delighted with La Dea's performance in that match but knows there is no room for complacency in the decisive weeks of the season.
"We adjusted as time went on and did well to attack the space," he said. "I'm satisfied with the performance, another clean sheet also gives confidence to the defence.
"It was the first of eight finals, now we must continue our climb up that mountain."
