The wording of the Juventus statement sacking coach Max Allegri suggests they will try to avoid paying his €9m salary, as he was dismissed for ‘just cause.’
It had been in the air and known for some weeks that Allegri would be dismissed at the end of the season, despite his contract running to June 2025 and his ability to achieve all the targets set this term with Champions League qualification and victory in the Coppa Italia.
The concern had been that for the second time after 2019, Juventus might be stuck with the bill for a whole season of his massive salary because they fired him a year early.
This may well explain the wording of the statement confirming his sacking today, as it seems to paint a picture where the club could argue he had to be fired for ‘just cause,’ therefore avoiding a year’s worth of wages.
“The exoneration follows certain behaviours during and after the Coppa Italia final that the club deemed incompatible with the values of Juventus and the behaviour that those who represent it should have.”
Juventus pounce on Allegri error
Allegri was sent off for dissent during the final minutes of the 1-0 win over Atalanta on Wednesday evening, storming off the field shouting, taking off his jacket, tie and almost his shirt too.
He then got into an altercation with Tuttosport editor Guido Vaciago, although they resolved the matter today with a joint statement on news agency ANSA.
What Sky Sport Italia and others imply was the real breaking point was during the Coppa Italia celebrations on the pitch, when Allegri seemed to declare ‘go away’ and wave his hand dismissively towards director of sport Cristiano Giuntoli.
He denied that afterwards, but was clearly saying it to someone and the club evidently did not believe his version of events either.
Perhaps they also saw an opportunity to rid themselves of Allegri without paying that €9m per season salary for 2024-25.