Farioli among leading candidates to take over at Juventus, reports in Italy claim

Juventus are already making contingency plans should Luciano Spalletti depart as head coach, with FC Porto manager Francesco Farioli emerging among the potential candidates, according to Italian daily La Repubblica on Tuesday.

Although the fans' preference leans heavily towards Antonio Conte—who would reportedly be willing to return even midway through the season—the Turin hierarchy are weighing an alternative route. This would involve appointing an interim coach, Stefano Pioli, until the end of the campaign before bringing in a long-term successor.

Looking ahead to 2027/28, the Bianconeri have reportedly shortlisted two primary targets: Francesco Farioli, who guided Porto to the league title last season and currently tops the table, and Simone Inzaghi, whose most recent managerial role was in Saudi Arabia.

The Italian tactician, who is under contract with the Portuguese giants until 2028, has a release clause set at €20 million outside the transfer windows, which drops to €15 million during transfer market periods.