Juventus have rubbished reports claiming they were preparing to replace Claudio Ranieri with Roma coach Luciano Spalletti.

Italian newspaper La Repubblica published a story on Thursday morning suggesting the club had already made contact with the Giallorossi coach with a view to bring him in.

However, Juventus have wasted no time in reacting to the speculation and they have released a statement on their official website insisting Ranieri will carry on leading the team forwards.

The note reads:

“There is no meeting about the coach taking place and no idea regarding [Luciano] Spalletti.

“The news which has appeared is totally without foundation. There is no intention to give Ranieri’s role to Spalletti or any other coach.

“The club’s position has been reiterated many times in the past, including after the game against Lazio.”