Allegri denies scornful gesture towards Juventus director

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Susy Campanale | Last updated 5/15/24

Max Allegri denied he made an insulting gesture telling Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli to leave during Coppa Italia celebrations, but the speculation continues.

The coach was already very agitated during stoppages, tearing his jacket and tie off, then going to unbutton his shirt after he was sent off for screaming in the face of the fourth official.

Juve held on for the 1-0 victory over Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, sparking the post-match celebrations.

However, after hugging his players, Allegri was caught on camera making a hand gesture urging someone to go away and seemed to be saying ‘out, out’ as he did so.

Allegri gesture causes controversy

Ho visto male o #Allegri fa il gesto ‘via via’ a Giuntoli che sta applaudendo? #juve pic.twitter.com/pJaU4Ajp0j

— roberto grossi (@ninersmessimale) May 15, 2024

The footage suggests he was aiming it towards Bianconeri director general Giuntoli, who it is widely reported wants to fire Allegri to bring in Thiago Motta from Bologna next season.

He was asked about the incident and shrugged it off.

“Nothing happened, I was celebrating with the crowd and the players,” Allegri told Sport Mediaset.

“I respect the club, I respect the men and had no problem with anyone. I just wanted to celebrate with the lads, who had an extraordinary campaign. Although we didn’t manage to fight for the Scudetto to the end, we qualified for the Champions League and won the Coppa Italia.”