Talking Tactics: How Zidane could take Juve back to the top

Zinedine Zidane was a legend on the pitch for Juventus — now he could also be about to make his mark on the touchline.

The former Bianconeri midfielder looks set to leave his role as Real Madrid manager this summer, with reports suggesting he is on Juve’s shortlist to replace Andrea Pirlo at the Allianz Stadium.

As the Old Lady prepare for a decisive Serie A clash with Bologna tonight, we investigate how Zidane could restore the club's fortunes after a difficult season.

A realistic prospect?

Though there has yet to be an official announcement, all the indications are that Pirlo will leave his post as Juventus head coach this summer.

Former boss Massimiliano Allegri has long been linked with a return to the club where he won five titles and departing Napoli manager Gennaro Gattuso is also believed to be in the frame.

Zidane, 48, has now also emerged as an option for Juve — but there are reportedly a number of obstacles to overcome before he can be appointed.

His contract with Madrid is believed to be worth around £10.3million a season and the Bianconeri may struggle to match those wages.

It has also been suggested Zidane may wish to take some time out of football, or wait until the France job becomes available, before taking the next step in his managerial career.

A desirable choice

It is easy to see why appointing Zidane would appeal to Juve’s directors and supporters.

Beyond simply the emotional pull of bringing a club legend back to Turin, the Real coach has a phenomenal record when it comes to winning what Juventus desire most of all — the Champions League.

He has lifted the trophy three times as a manager, even beating the Old Lady in the 2016-17 final.

That is a record long-term favourite Allegri, 53, cannot match. He lost two finals while in charge of the Italian giants, with his record in the competition believed to have played a part in his 2019 departure.

Priorities

Dreams of European success are all well and good but Juventus have fallen a long way from the heady heights of Allegri’s reign.

The Bianconeri struggled to the Serie A title under Maurizio Sarri last season and stand a good chance of missing out on Champions League football when the curtain comes down on their current campaign.

Zidane’s domestic record is not to be sniffed at — winning LaLiga during his first full season in Madrid and again in 2019-20.

However, he missed out on top spot in 2017-18 and had to settle for finishing second this season. 

A specialist at winning Italy’s top flight could be a more sensible choice at this stage of Juve’s development.

The galactico whisperer

Zidane is famed for getting the best out of elite players and Cristiano Ronaldo posted some phenomenal numbers while playing under the Frenchman — the Juventus superstar scored 86 goals during their two full seasons together.

The iconic forward, who enjoyed a successful relationship with Zidane in Madrid, spoke glowingly about their time together back in 2019.

LiveScore's official global brand ambassador said: "The confidence a player needs doesn't only come from himself but also from the players around him and the coach. 

"You need to feel like you are an important part of the group and Zidane made me feel special.

"He helped me a lot. I already had a lot of respect for him but working with him made me admire him more. 

"That's because of what he's like as a person, how he talks, how he led the team and how he treated me."

Attacking intent

Real Madrid have tended to set up in a 4-3-3 formation under Zidane, though he is not averse to an occasional switch to three at the back when the situation demands.

They favour a possession-based approach but are always looking to get on the front foot and attack.

There are similarities with Juventus under Pirlo in that sense. Despite the Italian tactician’s preference for 4-4-2, they have also dominated possession and shown high levels of creativity — just perhaps without the end product to show for it.

If Zidane could bring that ruthlessness and get Juve putting games to bed against the division’s minnows, he may be just what the Bianconeri need next season.

The former midfield maestro might not revolutionise them tactically but he would add the experience and man management required to take the Old Lady back to the top.

Watch Bologna vs Juventus live for FREE on the LiveScore app tonight at 7.45pm (UK and Ireland only).