Deschamps to Juventus: Di Meco gives backing, contacts underway

Didier Deschamps is Juventus Turin’s top target to replace Luciano Spalletti, according to Italian newspapers La Stampa and La Repubblica. Contacts have reportedly already been established with the French coach’s representatives, who has been available since handing over the France job to Zinédine Zidane this summer.

The Old Lady are enduring a difficult start to the season: eighth in Serie A after nine matches, they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Genoa on Wednesday. Spalletti’s position is under threat, and his fate could be decided this weekend in the derby against Naples.

For Deschamps, a return to Turin would be laden with symbolism. Twenty years after helping the club climb back to Serie A during the 2006-2007 season as manager, he retains an undiminished standing in a dressing room where he won everything as a player in the 1990s.

Éric Di Meco, his former teammate, makes no secret of his enthusiasm. “I can see Didier at Juve. This club left a deep mark on him in terms of tactical culture. He drew inspiration from this Italian culture during his playing career but also as a coach,” he said.

The former defender goes further on what such a return would mean: “Juve is one of the greatest clubs in the world, and if he goes back there and makes Turin win again after so many difficult years, that would be beautiful. It’s the Italian club with the most supporters in the world. If Deschamps makes this club win again, he would become a living god. He already has a special place in supporters’ hearts, but if he comes back and wins, he would change status once more.”

Before being linked with Juventus, Deschamps had seen his name circulate around Real Madrid, Manchester United and Turkish clubs. The Turin option now appears to be the most concrete.