Ferrara handed Juventus reins
Friday, June 5, 2009
Article summary
Ciro Ferrara has been confirmed as the permanent coach of Juventus after agreeing a two-year contract with the Bianconeri, for whom the 42-year-old made more than 300 appearances during his eleven-year playing career.
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Ciro Ferrara has been confirmed as Juventus coach after agreeing a contract that will keep him at the Bianconeri helm until 2011.
Early success
The former Italy defender was appointed to replace Claudio Ranieri for the last two games of the Serie A season and victories against AC Siena and S.S. Lazio gave the Turin club second place in the league and automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League group stage. The 42-year-old made 253 league appearances in an eleven-year spell with Juventus before his retirement in 2005, and promptly moved into coaching. Ferrara was part of Italy's technical staff in their triumphant 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign and had been working in the Juve academy prior to his elevation to the senior side. "He can be the Italian version of Josep Guardiola," said Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie. "He is ready to lead a big team and Barcelona proved that sometimes you are rewarded when you show courage in life."
