Juventus on Thursday named Luciano Spalletti as its new head coach, with the former Napoli boss signing a contract through the end of the 2025-26 season.

Napoli's head coach Luciano Spalletti gestures during a Serie A football match between FC Inter and Napoli in Milan, Italy, Jan. 4, 2023. (Str/ Xinhua)

The 66-year-old replaces Igor Tudor, who stepped down earlier this week after the Serie A giant endured an eight-match winless run.

Born in Certaldo, Spalletti began his coaching career in the 1990s after a modest playing spell with clubs including Spezia and Empoli. He rose to prominence with Udinese in the early 2000s, guiding the club to three straight European campaigns and its first-ever Champions League qualification in 2004-05.

Spalletti later enjoyed success with Roma, winning two Coppa Italia titles and a Supercoppa Italiana, before famously leading Napoli to its first Serie A championship in 33 years in 2023. He most recently coached Italy's national team, stepping down in June following a 3-0 defeat to Norway.

Juventus beat Udinese 3-1 on Wednesday under interim coach Paolo Brambilla and sits seventh in the Serie A standings with 15 points.

According to Italian media reports, Spalletti's deal includes an option for extension if Juventus qualifies for next season's UEFA Champions League.