Juventus is preparing for a major restructuring ahead of the 2025-26 season, with significant changes expected in the club`s management. As Cristiano Giuntoli is set to depart despite his contract running until 2028, club owner John Elkann plans to bring in Damien Comolli as the new General Manager. Alongside these changes, Matteo Tognozzi, currently serving as Granada`s sporting director, is anticipated to make a return to Turin.
But who exactly is Matteo Tognozzi, and what has he accomplished during his time at Juventus? Let`s delve into the career of this 38-year-old talent spotter.
Tognozzi`s Journey at Juventus
Born in 1987, Tognozzi began his career at Juventus as a scout for the youth teams, with a particular focus on the Primavera and NextGen squads. He reported directly to Fabio Paratici, who was then the Chief Football Officer. As Federico Cherubini took over, Tognozzi was promoted to the role of Chief Scout, becoming a key figure in developing Juventus` NextGen team.
Notable Signings
During his tenure, Tognozzi was instrumental in securing several promising young talents for Juventus, including:
- Dean Huijsen
- Matias Soulé
- Kenan Yildiz (now a key player in the first team)
- Samuel Iling-Junior
- Enzo Barrenechea
- Radu Dragusin
Moreover, Tognozzi played a crucial role behind the scenes in deals involving first-team players such as Dusan Vlahovic and Timothy Weah.
Future Prospects
With Tognozzi`s expected return to Juventus, the club aims to continue its focus on youth development and smart recruitment. His proven track record in identifying and securing young talent could prove invaluable as Juventus looks to build a competitive squad for the future.
As the Old Lady prepares for this new era, the return of Matteo Tognozzi signals a renewed commitment to nurturing young talent and maintaining Juventus` position at the forefront of Italian and European football.