Didier Deschamps in contention for Juventus job as pressure mounts on Luciano Spalletti

Didier Deschamps is being considered by Juventus as a possible replacement for Luciano Spalletti, with the club’s poor start to the Serie A season increasing pressure on the manager.

La Stampa reports that Deschamps is among the leading candidates being assessed by the Juventus hierarchy. The former France manager has been out of work since leaving the national team after 14 years in charge and could now be set for a return to club management.

Juventus are eighth in the Serie A table after nine matches and suffered a 2-0 defeat by Genoa on Wednesday. The result has intensified concerns about the team’s form, with Spalletti expected to face the consequences in the coming days.

Stefano Pioli and Antonio Conte are also understood to be under consideration as potential successors. La Repubblica has confirmed Juventus’ interest in Deschamps, while reporting that Conte would prefer to wait for an opportunity at Manchester United, where Carrick could be dismissed soon.

Deschamps, 57, ended his 14-year spell with France last summer, handing responsibility for the team to Zinedine Zidane. His reign had attracted some criticism towards the end, but it was also one of the most successful periods in the country’s history.

France won the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League under Deschamps. They also reached the final of the World Cup and the European Championship during his tenure.

The former midfielder had frequently been linked with major European clubs while he remained in charge of France, but continued with the national side until his departure.

Deschamps already has a strong connection with Juventus from his playing career. During his time in Turin, he helped the club win the Champions League in 1996 and claimed three Serie A titles, among other honours.

His possible appointment would therefore represent a return to a club where he made a lasting impact as a player, although Juventus have yet to announce any decision regarding Spalletti’s future.

Deschamps’ next move has been the subject of speculation since his departure from France, but Juventus are the first club identified in the latest reports as a potential destination.