Sports
It might get worse for Juventus before it gets better as club moves on from Tudor
On Monday, following a 1-0 away defeat to Lazio this weekend, Juventus sacked manager Igor Tudor. Reportedly, there’s no replacement immediately lined up — they’re considering both former Italy boss Luciano Spalletti and Raffaele Palladino, who took Fiorentina to sixth place last season. Whoever takes over will become the sixth permanent manager in the past six years.
Juventus represent a case study in what not to do, but also serve as a reminder that poor decisions in the recent past impact the present and the future, narrowing the ability of replacements to make optimal choices. Their next managerial move will determine if they descend further down their spiral, or if they finally start to rid their system of the poisons built up over the years.
Tudor paid the price not just for his own mistakes, but also those made by the guys who came before him. Not just coaches either, everyone from sporting directors to chief executives is, to varying degrees, responsible. As, of course, are many of the players.
– Juve sack Tudor after just seven months
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Tudor took over as an interim boss in March of last year, replacing Thiago Motta. (The latter was a horrendous choice who stuck around too long.) They were one point out of the Champions League places in Serie A and his brief was to steer them into the top four, which he did (by a point).
In the meantime, the club were going to figure out what to do for 2025-26 — except there was nobody to do the “figuring out” because Cristiano Giuntoli, the chief decision-maker, was already on his way out of the club less than two years into a five-year contract. His replacement, Damien Comolli, took over on June 1, and with the Club World Cup around the corner, he opted to stick with Tudor for the following season as well.
The thinking in retaining Tudor was that there just wasn’t enough time — five or six weeks — to identify a long-term coach ahead of the 2025-26 season, and they didn’t want to rush into a commitment. Hindsight is 20/20, but obviously that was the wrong decision because now it’s nearly Halloween and they have five or six days (not weeks) to find somebody.
Comolli and his recruitment team got to work on the summer transfers, but here too their hands were somewhat tied. If you look on Transfermarkt, you’ll note that Juventus spent €137 million ($160m), which sounds like a lot until you realize that €105.8m ($123m) was to make permanent moves for players who were already at the club on loans: Chico Conceicao, Pierre Kalulu, Lloyd Kelly, Nico González (who then immediately loaned out to Atletico Madrid) and Michele Di Gregorio. In most cases, Juve had an obligation to make the deals permanent so, in fact, there wasn’t much room to operate in the summer. A classic case of the present burdened by the mistakes of the past.
Still, the club made four signings and here, you wonder how much they considered Tudor’s football credo.
Wide players Eden Zhegrova and João Mário made just two league starts between them. The other two arrivals were forwards: free agent Jonathan David (who signed a hefty contract that made him the club’s second-highest paid player) and Loïs Openda. Their return? Six combined league starts and one goal. It soon became obvious that Tudor, a stickler for his 3-4-2-1 system, was only going to play one center forward at a time and with Dusan Vlahovic sticking around, there were only so many minutes to dole out. Considering his trio of center forwards make up roughly 20% of Juve’s wage bill, that’s terrible resource allocation.
Tudor’s system, of course, also means three central defenders and there are only five in the squad, the bare minimum for a side competing in the Champions League. They make up less than 12% of the wage bill despite the fact there are three times as many of them on the pitch as there are center forwards. Again: resource allocation.
Comolli, you imagine, would probably say: “Gab, what do you want me to do? The club made more than half a billion Euros in losses in the past five seasons. Guys who came before me made decisions and commitments, and now I have to deal with the consequences of that.”
And, of course, he’d be right. The combination of COVID-19 and short-term thinking led to the accounting games and “buy now, pay later” shenanigans of the loan-plus-obligation deals that are severely limiting the club here and now. The fact that Filip Kostic, Daniele Rugani and Arek Milik (who last played football of any kind in June 2024) are still in the squad tells its own story. (Fun fact: Arthur is still a Juve player too although at least he’s on loan elsewhere, so you’re not reminded of past follies every time you see him.)
Then there are the ones who got away. Clubs make mistakes all the time when it comes to homegrown players — heck, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer were at Manchester City, Declan Rice was at Chelsea — but Juve raise it to an art form of futility.
In the past 18 months, Juventus let Matìas Soulè, Dean Huijsen, Koni De Winter, Moise Kean and Nicolo’ Fagioli leave for combined fees of less than €85m; now their transfer valuations are two-and-a-half times that. (None of them, other than Kean, got a legitimate sustained shot at the first team.) It feels like they spent a fortune on their B-team — Juve Next Gen, who play in the third tier — not as a player development tool, but rather as a piggy bank to raid in order to fill accounting holes elsewhere.
We can talk about stability and long-term squad-building all we like, but first we need to recognize that, a bit like pollution, it always future generations who pay the price for past mistakes. Juve’s recent past is littered with so many blunders that whoever is in charge today is somewhat strait-jacketed.
And this context is what makes Juve’s next steps so interesting. They have a legitimate core of young(ish) talent locked up to long-term contracts that you can build around: Kenan Yildiz (20), David (25), Khephren Thuram (24), Conceicao (22), Andrea Cambiaso (25), Kalulu (25) — maybe free agent-to-be Vlahovic too if you get him to stick around at a reasonable price (i.e., a heck of a lot less than his expiring deal). But it will take time to cycle the toxins of past bad decisions out of the system and that’s why the idea of even considering a 66 year old like Spalletti (leaving aside his disastrous tenure with the national team) would be foolish.
Take your medicine now, suffer a little bit, learn from the past and you’ll have a brighter future.
Hassan says move from Europe could impact the Liverpool striker’s global standing
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah shoots at goal. Photo: REUTERS
LONDON:
Egypt’s national team director Ibrahim Hassan has cautioned Mohamed Salah against moving to Major League Soccer after he leaves Liverpool at the end of the season as it would see the forward fade into obscurity.
Salah, 33, has yet to decide his next move after he ends a hugely successful nine‑year spell at Liverpool, where he won two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber has said he would love to see Salah in the league, though it is unclear whether any MLS teams will attempt to sign him.
“Personally, I would prefer him to stay in Europe,” Hassan told On Sports. “I have heard about offers from Paris Saint‑Germain, Bayern Munich and clubs in the Italian league.
“A move to the Major League? He would be far too out of the spotlight. You won’t remember Salah any more than I remember (Lionel) Messi now, I don’t even try to watch him.”
After trophy‑laden stints with Barcelona and Paris Saint‑Germain, Argentina captain Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, months after lifting the World Cup, and became the club’s all‑time top scorer.
Hassan said the Saudi Pro League would be a suitable option if Salah chose not to stay in Europe.
“If he does not receive offers from Europe, then a move to the Saudi league would be a good option, especially with big names such as Cristiano (Ronaldo)”, Hassan, twin brother of Egypt coach Hossam Hassan, added.
Salah is currently sidelined by injury and will miss Egypt’s ongoing training camp as they prepare for the World Cup in North America.
Egypt face Spain in a friendly in Barcelona on Tuesday after a 4‑0 win over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Friday.
The seven-times African champions are in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand and Iran at the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
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Myron Medcalf
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Myron Medcalf
ESPN Staff Writer
- Covers college basketball
- Joined ESPN.com in 2011
- Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato
Multiple Authors
The 2026 men’s Final Four is set!
UConn will open the national semifinal action against Illinois after mounting a successful comeback against Duke in the Elite Eight, followed by a battle of No. 1 seeds Arizona and Michigan in Indianapolis on Saturday. Who do ESPN’s college basketball experts see advancing to the national championship on April 6?
Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf break down how each team reached the final weekend of the NCAA tournament — and their keys to advancing to the title game. Find their predictions below.
FINAL FOUR PREVIEW
8:49 p.m. ET, Saturday
What to know about Arizona
No. 1 factor that helped Arizona reach the Final Four: The Wildcats’ relentlessness in the paint has been unparalleled, and it carried them when it mattered in the NCAA tournament.
For the season, Arizona ranked fifth in the country in paint points, averaging more than 42. It also led the nation in free throw attempts with nearly 20 points per game at the line. Against another dominant paint team in Arkansas in the Sweet 16, Arizona had perhaps the most efficient interior performance ever seen in March: The Wildcats had 60 paint points and 30 points from the free throw line, the most combined points in an NCAA tournament game in the past 20 years. Then, after Purdue matched them down low in the first half of their Elite Eight showdown, the Wildcats played with an increased urgency and imposed their will in the second half. The Wildcats finished with 40 paint points and 20 points from the free throw line, outscoring the Boilermakers by a combined 28 points in those areas.
It’s not just the post scoring from Koa Peat or Motiejus Krivas, or the offensive rebounding from Tobe Awaka — it’s also the relentless attacking from Jaden Bradley, Brayden Burries and Ivan Kharchenkov. Coach Tommy Lloyd preaches paint points, and it’s reflected in every part of his team’s offense. — Borzello
0:20
Brayden Burries’ hustle play punctuates Arizona’s Elite Eight win
Brayden Burries dives on the floor and gets the ball to Ivan Kharchenkov for a layup to help send the Wildcats to the Final Four.
Arizona’s keys against Michigan: This will be the ultimate strength on strength battle in the paint, but Arizona is more reliant — and better — at dominating the glass and finishing at the rim. That’s the key here. The Wildcats are top five nationally in paint points per game and offensive rebound percentage, and lead the nation in free throw attempts per game. Michigan, meanwhile, is top five in 2-point defense, block rate and average 2-point attempt distance defensively. The Wolverines also limit their fouling. Can Arizona continue to control the paint against a team that can match them from a size and physicality perspective?
It’s the same situation at the other end of the court. Michigan shoots better than 61% inside the arc and ranks in the top 20 in paint points and second-chance points per game. Arizona will have to win the interior battle on both ends. — Borzello
What to know about Michigan
No. 1 factor that helped Michigan reach the Final Four: The Wolverines can quickly shift gears and reach a level few teams are able to match. Their Elite Eight win over Tennessee was arguably the most complete game we’ve seen by any team in the NCAA tournament. They outscored the Vols 48-26 in the first half and held them to just 85 points per 100 possessions — nearly 23 fewer points than the scoring clip of the Brooklyn Nets, the worst offensive team in America. With 10:52 to play in the first half, Tennessee had a 16-15 lead over Michigan, then the Wolverines launched a 33-10 rally to end the half. Rick Barnes had his head in his hands; what can anyone do when Michigan plays like that?
The Wolverines are big, have stars, play great defense, and when it’s time to stand its ground and battle, no team is better. That’s why they’re going to Indianapolis. — Medcalf
0:25
Yaxel Lendeborg gets sweet and-1 to fall for Michigan
Yaxel Lendeborg drives and gets a smooth reverse and-1 layup to fall for Michigan vs. Tennessee.
Michigan’s keys against Arizona: The Wolverines will have to force the Wildcats to take shots outside the paint and neutralize all paths to the rim. Arizona is a really difficult team to compete against when it can get downhill, penetrate and attack teams in the lane. The Wildcats are top-10 nationally in drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line — that’s been their bread-and-butter, and they’re better at that tactic than any team in Indianapolis.
On offense, Michigan has to extend Arizona’s defense by shooting well from the 3-point line. The Wildcats’ four NCAA tournament opponents struggled from beyond the arc but the Wolverines have made 40% of their 3-point shots since March 1. If Arizona is forced to focus on what Michigan is doing on the perimeter, it will just create more room for Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. to operate in the lane.
Still, against this strong of an Arizona team, Michigan may need Lendeborg to be a hero with a monster performance comparable to the 27-point effort he had against Tennessee in the Elite Eight. — Medcalf
Arizona vs. Michigan Predictions
Borzello’s prediction: Arizona, 82-80
Medcalf’s prediction: Michigan, 78-76
6:09 p.m. ET, Saturday
What to know about UConn
No. 1 factor that helped UConn reach the Final Four: Tarris Reed Jr. and the experience to maintain the type of patience the Huskies needed to deal with a Duke team that had a 19-point lead in the first half has gotten them here. Three players in the starting rotation have been in Dan Hurley’s system for at least two years, a rarity in the current landscape. Illinois will be the only team in Indianapolis that can match that.
Hurley is as great at recruiting as he is at retention. Freshman Braylon Mullins has had an up-and-down season, seemingly never hitting his stride consistently, but he was a five-star recruit for a reason. When Hurley turned to Mullins, he hit the biggest 3-pointer of his life with 0.4 seconds left on the clock to send UConn back to the Final Four.
The Huskies also held Duke to a 100 points per 100 possessions clip in the second half after the Blue Devils had scored at a 147 points per 100 possessions clip in the first half. The difference in their Elite Eight win was that UConn kept fighting and won. — Medcalf
UConn’s keys against Illinois: Illinois has been the best offensive team in the country, but it also played elite defense against Houston in the Sweet 16 and Iowa in the Elite Eight. UConn will have to solve that. The Huskies have size that allows them to play a restrictive zone that has stifled their opponents. Houston and Iowa both made less than 40% of their shots inside the arc against Illinois, so UConn’s gameplan has to begin with Tarris Reed Jr., who has scored at least 20 points in three of his last four games. The Huskies big man was dominant against Duke and will have to be great against Illinois in the post so the Illini can’t get comfortable in that zone. The Huskies will also have to exploit the pockets in that Illinois defense; Reed’s production will be the key to achieving that.
On defense, it all starts with guarding Keaton Wagler. The Huskies have multiple guards they can throw at the 6-foot-5 projected NBA draft lottery pick. They can’t allow him to put up big numbers against them.
Protecting the rim against one of the biggest teams in Indianapolis will matter, too. — Medcalf
0:19
Keaton Wagler loses the defender then splashes a 3 for Illinois
Keaton Wagler loses the defender then splashes an open 3-pointer for Illinois.
What to know about Illinois
No. 1 factor that helped Illinois reach the Final Four: The Illini’s offense is one of the most efficient in KenPom history, but it was their defense that sparked this run to Indianapolis. They held VCU to 55 points and 0.83 points per possession in the round of 32, Houston to 55 points and 0.94 points per possession in the Sweet 16 and then Iowa to 59 points and 1.08 points per possession in the Elite Eight. They have protected the rim and the paint at an incredibly high level, limiting all three of the aforementioned opponents to below 48% inside the arc. Iowa had just seven 2-pointers Saturday.
It’s a dramatic improvement from their defensive performance late in the regular season, when the Illini allowed six of their last nine opponents to score at least 1.17 points per possession, suffering five of their eight losses over that stretch. Their offense hasn’t missed a beat, but their defense suddenly looking like a top-10 unit has been a season-changing development for Brad Underwood’s team. — Borzello
Illinois’ keys against UConn: The biggest key will be to limit Tarris Reed Jr. — or get him into foul trouble. Reed has been one of the most dominant big men of this NCAA tournament, and his ability to score at the rim in single coverage has bailed out the Huskies’ inconsistent perimeter shooting. But with Eric Reibe not nearly as effective as he was earlier in the season, UConn takes a massive hit at both ends of the floor when Reed isn’t on it.
The other key will be the 3-point battle. The Huskies have made double-digit 3s once since Feb. 18, but they haven’t allowed double-digit made 3s over that same span. Illinois attempts 3s at a higher rate than almost any team in the country, while UConn’s shotmakers — Alex Karaban, Solo Ball and Braylon Mullins — have been inconsistent. The Illini could outshoot the Huskies. — Borzello
UConn vs. Illinois Predictions
Borzello’s prediction: UConn, 74-72
Medcalf’s prediction: UConn, 77-73
Sports
UConn’s Braylon Mullins hits game-winning 3-pointer to shock Duke, advance to men’s Final Four
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The UConn Huskies needed to dig themselves out of a hole in the second half against the Duke Blue Devils, and behind Braylon Mullins’ clutch 3-pointer and Tarris Reed Jr.’s high-percentage scoring, they were able to pull off an incredible comeback victory to advance to the Final Four.
The Huskies were able to effectively pressure the Blue Devils into a turnover with less than seven seconds left. Caden Boozer had his pass deflected and the ball got into Mullins’ hands.
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UConn guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after a basket against Duke during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
UConn guard Braylon Mullins, right, celebrates his game winning basket with guard Malachi Smith (0) during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Duke, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
The freshman was well beyond the 3-point line when he chucked up the ball. His prayer was answered as the ball went through the back of the net. UConn’s 19-point comeback was complete as the Huskies’ bench jumped in jubilation.
UConn was able to get the ball into Reed many times over the course of the game and for nearly half of the second half, the Huskies were in the bonus. Reed finished with 26 points on 10-of-16 from the field with nine rebounds. He was 6-of-9 from the free-throw line.
MICHIGAN ROUTS TENNESSEE TO WIN REGIONAL FINAL, ENTER NCAA MEN’S FINAL FOUR
Duke guard Dame Sarr celebrates a basket against UConn during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Duke was up three points with 28 seconds to go. UConn guard Silas Demary Jr. was fouled and went to the free-throw line for two shots. He missed the first and made the second. The second free throw enabled UConn to set up its press defense and force the turnover in the end.
The Huskies outscored the Blue Devils 44-28 in the second half after being down 44-29 in the first half.
Cameron Boozer led Duke with 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks during the second half against Duke in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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UConn is back in the Final Four for the third time in three years. The Huskies will be looking to get back to the national championship after winning two titles in the last three years. UConn will take on Illinois and Michigan will go up against Arizona in the Final Four.
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