Juventus release double statement after choosing Pirlo to succeed Sarri

Italian legend Andrea Pirlo has been chosen as the man to succeed Maurizio Sarri at the helm of Juventus following his dismissal from the position earlier today.

The Italian club acted swiftly as Sarri, 61, paid the price for their Champions League exit at the hands of Lyon on Friday night, with Pirlo replacing him on a two-year contract.

The 41-year-old, who made 164 appearances for the club between 2011 and 2015, was only named as Juventus Under-23s manager 10 days ago but gets an immediate promotion.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino had reportedly been in the frame to assume the position, but despite contact being made, was overlooked in favour of Pirlo.

A club statement read: “Today begins a new chapter of his career in the world of football.

“As it was said about a week ago: from Maestro to Mister.

“From today he will be the coach for the Juventus people, as the club has decided to entrust him with the technical leadership of the first team, after having already selected him for Juventus Under-23.

“Today’s choice is based on the belief that Pirlo has what it takes to lead, from his debut on the bench, an expert and talented squad to pursue new successes.”

Former Chelsea boss Sarri, 61, had led Juventus to the Serie A title in his first season at the club but the away goals exit to Lyon on Friday night proved fatal.

A club statement read: “Juventus announce that Maurizio Sarri has been relieved of his post as coach of the first team.

“The club would like to thank the coach for writing a new page in Juventus history by winning a ninth consecutive Scudetto, the culmination of a personal journey that saw him move through every level of Italian football.”