Juventus are expected to confirm the sacking of manager Ciro Ferrara on Friday morning as speculation mounts that Rafa Benitez could become his eventual successor.
It is understood that Ferrara has been on the verge of leaving Stadio Delle Alpi for several weeks after a terrible run of form and Wednesday’s Coppa Italia defeat to Inter may well mark his final match in charge.
Sixth-placed Juventus have lost six of their last eight matches in Serie A and according to reports, only the problem of finding replacement has delayed Ferrara’s departure.
Juventus president Jean-Claude Blanc confirmed on Friday that news regarding Ferrara is imminent after the 2-1 loss at Inter, telling Italian media: “We have failed in a target for the season. There is a big bitterness.
“Everybody knows the situation and in the next few hours we will announce our decisions.”
Juventus are reported to be keen on approaching Liverpool’s Benitez and the Reds agent has delivered mixed messages regarding his client.
Italian newspapers stated that Guus Hiddink was Juventus’ ideal candidate as an interim appointment in a similar role to that he performed at Chelsea last season but the Dutchman’s salary demands were said to be too high.
Alberto Zaccheroni or Claudio Gentile have now been installed among the favourites to fill Ferrara’s position on a temporary basis.
