Juventus Welcomes Marco Ottolini Back to Turin as Sporting Director

In the grand theatre of Italian football, where history and modernity intertwine, Juventus Turin has penned another significant chapter. As the calendar pages turned to 2026, the club announced the appointment of Marco Ottolini as their new Sporting Director, a move that echoes the club's commitment to seasoned expertise and strategic vision.

Born in 1980, Ottolini's journey through the footballing world began early, transitioning from a player to a managerial role by the end of 2002. His experience has been sculpted by years of engagement in the intricate dynamics of professional football. In 2015, he left a mark at Anderlecht, where he was instrumental in revamping the club's scouting activities. This period was a crucial incubation phase for his career, providing him insights into the European football landscape.

Ottolini's relationship with Juventus is not new. He first joined the Bianconeri ranks in 2018, serving as a linchpin in the international scouting department. His role was pivotal, overseeing the development of players on loan and liaising with clubs across the globe. Notably, he contributed to the nascent phases of Juventus' Second Team project, laying the groundwork for what would become an integral part of the club's player development strategy until his departure in 2022.

After a strategic stint at Genoa, where he further honed his leadership skills, Ottolini returns to Juventus in an elevated capacity. His appointment was warmly acknowledged by Juventus' head coach, Luciano Spalletti, who, during a press conference on January 2, 2026, remarked: "Allow me, too, to welcome our new Sporting Director, Marco Ottolini. Everyone knows him and everyone says he is a good person. I had already met him before; he is a top-level professional, and it is no coincidence that a team like Juventus went to get him back."

This new chapter for Ottolini signifies a natural progression in his career, reflective of his deep understanding of both Italian and international football. His return comes at a time when Juventus seeks to strengthen its football operations structure amidst a bustling period of fixtures. While his appointment is not directly tied to recent transfer or match outcomes, it signals a steady hand steering the club's strategic course.

In the world of football, where change is constant and the stakes are ever high, Juventus' decision to bring back Ottolini is a testament to his formidable reputation and the club's ambition to maintain its storied legacy. As fans fill the stands and eyes turn to the pitch, the echoes of history resonate with the promise of a bright future.