Motta safe from sack, says Juve's sporting director Giuntoli

Thiago Motta's job at Juventus is safe for now after the Serie A club's sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli said on Sunday that the coach would not be sacked despite a 3-0 thumping at Fiorentina.

Juventus slumped to a second heavy defeat in as many weeks, piling pressure on Motta who has failed to have the impact hoped by Giuntoli who brought him to the Turin giants last summer.

And Giuntoli denied reports that Motta was set for the boot following a humiliating loss which came a week after their 4-0 home hammering at the hands of title-chasing Atalanta.

"Right now we need to be united because you get out of a crisis by sticking together. We're obviously disappointed, we put in two bad performances in what has been an up and down season," said Giuntoli to Sky.

"But we're convinced that we can get out of this all together."

Sunday's loss led to Juve dropping to fifth, out of the Champions League positions with Motta's old team Bologna now in fourth spot after hammering Lazio 5-0 for their fourth straight win.

Juve are in a bun fight for a place in Europe's top club competition with six points separating Bologna and ninth-placed AC Milan.

"We're focussed on a long-term project, rejuvenating the squad which has also lowered the level of experience. We knew that things wouldn't be easy," added Giuntoli.

"All we can think about is our main goal, which is qualification for the Champions League. That is still within our reach."