{"id":561915,"date":"2020-08-13T12:14:59","date_gmt":"2020-08-13T16:14:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=561915"},"modified":"2020-08-13T13:29:36","modified_gmt":"2020-08-13T17:29:36","slug":"report-higuain-khedira-not-wanted-by-pirlo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/08\/13\/report-higuain-khedira-not-wanted-by-pirlo\/","title":{"rendered":"REPORT: Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira Not Wanted by Andrea Pirlo"},"content":{"rendered":"

Following the sacking of Maurizio Sarri, Juventus<\/a> surprised everyone by appointing former player Andrea Pirlo<\/a>. The newly appointed manager once graced the pitch of the Allianz Stadium and is considered a footballing icon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet, it has to be said, when it comes to management, Pirlo is nothing but a rookie at this stage. The Italian will hope to follow in the footsteps of Zinedine Zidane<\/a>, using his footballing brain to become a managerial mastermind. He has already shown his ruthless side, too, when showing Blaise Matuidi<\/a> the exit door. <\/span><\/p>\n

According to Romeo Agresti,<\/a> further ruthless decisions are set to be made, starting with the departures of Gonzalo Higuain<\/a> and Sami Khedira.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Higuain and Khedira Set to Leave Juventus<\/h2>\n

Andrea Pirlo Seeking a Swift Squad Overhaul<\/h3>\n

Despite winning the title in his first season in charge, and what proved to be his only season, Maurizio Sarri was given his marching orders. Many believed the club declined under the former Chelsea<\/a> man; the Serie A<\/a> winners secured the title with just one point and crashed out of the Champions League<\/a> in the last 16. It simply wasn’t good enough compared to the high standards previously set.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, in what could turn out to be a stroke of genius, in came Andrea Pirlo, and reportedly in comes a squad overhaul. Matuidi, 33, was the first to say goodbye. Now, following the trend of ageing departures, Higuain, 32, and Sami Khedira, 33, are reportedly set to follow suit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Following the financial strains of the Coronavirus, too, the resulting funds from these sales will be thankfully welcomed by Juventus.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tough Test Ahead for Andrea Pirlo<\/h3>\n

For the most part of last season, the Serie A title race was the most exciting in Europe. Usually, Juventus blitz towards the title in style. This time around, however, Lazio and Inter Milan proved constant threats up until the very last kick. The two challengers, now with title race experience under their belts, will look to push Juventus all the way once more next season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Andrea Pirlo will welcome the challenge but will be aware of how difficult a task he has ahead of next season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Main Photo
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>