Motta's position under heavy pressure at Juve after biggest defeat in 58 years

The biggest home defeat in 58 years has plunged Juventus into a deep crisis, shaking the club to its core and leaving serious questions about its future direction.

The humiliating 4-0 loss to Atalanta last Sunday was more than just a bad result it was a statement of where Juventus currently stands. Once the undisputed powerhouse of Italian football, La Vecchia Signora now finds itself in turmoil, with fans, pundits, and former players questioning whether the club is on the right path under head coach Thiago Motta. The pressure is mounting, and speculation over his future is intensifying with each passing day.

The defeat against Atalanta was not just about the scoreline. It was a performance that exposed Juventus' weaknesses at every level. The team looked disjointed, lacking cohesion and tactical discipline. Their inability to respond to Atalanta’s high-intensity pressing and clinical finishing showcased just how far Juventus has fallen from its previous dominance. For a club that prides itself on its defensive solidity and competitive spirit, conceding four goals at home was nothing short of a humiliation.

As expected, the fallout has been brutal. The Italian press has not held back in its criticism, and calls for Motta’s dismissal have grown louder. Some reports suggest that Juventus’ management is already considering alternative options, with several high-profile coaches being linked to the job. Among them, former Juve managers Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri have re-entered the conversation, fueling speculation that the club could turn to a familiar face to restore stability.

Leonardo Bonucci, a symbol of Juventus’ golden era under Conte and Allegri, has added his voice to the debate. Bonucci, who was an integral part of the club’s legendary defense alongside Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, believes Juventus needs a strong and immediate response. The veteran defender, now retired, has suggested that Conte would be the best choice if Juventus wants to return to winning ways quickly. "If you want immediate results, you change the coach in June and bring in Conte," Bonucci said. "Otherwise, you have to give Motta and Giuntoli the time to build a foundation for the future."

Bonucci’s words carry weight, given his long-standing association with the club. However, the situation is more complex than just finding a new manager. Juventus is at a crossroads, facing a decision about whether to prioritize long-term development or demand instant success. Since Allegri’s departure, the club has focused on bringing in younger players and attempting to modernize its playing style. Motta was seen as the man to lead this transition, particularly after his impressive spell at Bologna, where he guided the club to Champions League qualification. However, his tenure at Juventus has been anything but smooth.

The team has struggled for consistency, dropping crucial points in Serie A while also failing to impress in cup competitions. The shock elimination from the Champions League at the hands of PSV was a major blow, and the Coppa Italia defeat to Empoli only added to the frustration. Motta’s tactical approach, which emphasizes possession and positional play, has yet to take full effect at Juventus, leading many to question whether he is the right man for the job.

Adding to the drama, Juventus fans have made their opinions clear. On Sunday, during the defeat to Atalanta, the Curva Sud was heard chanting Allegri’s name, a surprising turn of events given his controversial departure last season. The former manager was dismissed after a heated altercation during the Coppa Italia final, yet some supporters still see him as the man who can restore the club’s former glory. Interestingly, Allegri is now being heavily linked with AC Milan, where he could replace Sérgio Conceição at the end of the season.

Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has tried to calm the situation, publicly stating that he still has faith in Motta. However, behind the scenes, there are indications that the club is exploring potential replacements. Reports suggest that Igor Tudor, a former Juventus player with coaching experience in Serie A, is among the names being considered. Other candidates include Gian Piero Gasperini, the mastermind behind Atalanta’s rise, Stefano Pioli, and even Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.

Motta’s future could well be decided in the coming days. Juventus faces Fiorentina in their next Serie A match, and anything less than a convincing win could push the board to make a decision. If Motta is sacked, Juventus will need to act quickly to secure a replacement who can steady the ship and bring clarity to the club’s vision.

Despite the current turmoil, Bonucci remains hopeful that Juventus can recover. He acknowledges that the team’s performance against Atalanta was unacceptable but believes there is still potential for growth. "I can't remember something like this ever happening it was a tough day for us," he admitted. "But Juventus is playing dominantly again, although that doesn’t automatically mean you win. If a few young talents continue to develop and two or three high-level signings are made, the team will already be stronger next season. If Juve hadn't lost to Atalanta, they would still be in the title race, even though they don’t yet have the squad to win the Scudetto this season."

Juventus now finds itself at a defining moment. The next steps taken by the club’s management will determine whether this is just a temporary setback or a sign of deeper systemic issues. The fans demand change, but whether that means a new manager, new players, or both remains to be seen. With pressure mounting, Motta's position is more fragile than ever, and the outcome of the next few matches could shape Juventus’ trajectory for years to come.