Giuntoli: Juventus hungry for Champions League and ready to ‘make a leap forward’ | OneFootball

Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli urged the Bianconeri to take ‘one final step’ toward Champions League qualification, a target that could be key to unlocking the club’s development in the near future.

The Old Lady can secure a place in Europe’s top competition next season with a win over Venezia in the final round of Serie A, a goal that had appeared at risk during Thiago Motta’s turbulent spell in charge.

After a bright start, the Italo-Brazilian coach struggled to maintain consistency over the course of the campaign, ultimately prompting the club to appoint Igor Tudor for the season’s final stretch.

TURIN, ITALY – MAY 18: Nicolas Gonzalez of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between Juventus and Udinese at Allianz Stadium on May 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)

While Giuntoli expressed satisfaction with the team’s recent 2-0 victory over Udinese, he stressed the importance of finishing the job on the final matchday.

Giuntoli: ‘Juventus want to make a leap forward, Koopmeiners a fantastic player’

“We’re happy, but now it’s time to focus on the next one,” Giuntoli told reporters during the Premio Telenord-Gianni Di Marzio award ceremony, as quoted by Calciomercato.com.

“There’s a real hunger to reach the Champions League and to have a great season next year.

“It’s important to take the final step towards our goal. We’ve changed a lot, rejuvenated the squad, but we want to reach the Champions League and then, with a few additions, make that leap forward.”

The Bianconeri sporting director added that he was surprised by a specific trait of Tudor’s personality.

“He’s had a great impact,” Giuntoli noted.

“I expected a strict sergeant, but instead, he’s very attentive to the psychological side of things.”

TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 12: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Lecce at Allianz Stadium on April 12, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Teun Koopmeiners’ performances came under heavy criticism this season, particularly in light of the hefty fee Juventus paid to sign him from Atalanta, but Giuntoli remains confident in the midfielder’s potential.

“He missed a lot of games,” he said.

“For me, he’s a fantastic player. He still needs to prove his worth, but I’m sure he will.”