Ciro Ferrara could be handed the Juventus job long-term if he is successful in the remaining games of this season. Bari coach Antonio Conte is favourite for the fulltime post after yesterday's dramatic sacking of Claudio Ranieri, but the situation could change if Ferrara leads Juve to Champions League qualification.

Indeed, Juve skipper Alex del Piero has already assured his ex-teammate he can count on the players' support, revealing this morning: "Ciro, we will win together."

Along with Conte, Roma coach Luciano Spalletti is also under consideration by the Juve board, which was unanimous in it's decision to dismiss Ranieri.

"We're risking £15-18 million with Champions League failure," admitted Juve president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli last night.

Meanwhile, Ranieri told reporters upon learning of the decision, "I am calm, I did my duty.

"I always felt my time here would end this way."