Cristiano Giuntoli’s recent appearance at Tottenham Hotspur was a ‘clear sign’ that Spurs are ‘seriously exploring’ the possibility of appointing him.

That’s according to Il Giornale, relayed by Napoli Magazine. The Italian newspaper reports that Giuntoli is set to return to football after leaving Juventus last summer.

The 54-year-old is out of work after leaving Juventus last year following two years as their sporting director. He had also previously been Napoli’s sporting director from 2015-2023 and sporting director at Carpi between 2009 and 2015.

Il Giornale now report that he’s ready to return to work and ‘reclaim the spotlight’. The fact he has now been spotted in London, at Tottenham, is a ‘clear sign’ that Spurs are seriously exploring the possibility of hiring him.

Free agent director of football

While reports have stated he was simply at the game against Crystal Palace to support Igor Tudor, who he appointed at Juventus, the Italian newspaper says otherwise.

As far as they’re concerned, he’s a serious candidate to fill Spurs’ vacant sporting director role. If they do move, though, they’ll have to do so before Roma.

The path to the Italian capital is becoming increasingly concrete. There has been recent internal friction between manager Gian Piero Gasperini and Frederic Massara, their sporting director.

That could lead to a reshuffle and the ‘profound respect’ for Giuntoli could provide the impetus to get a deal done. Tottenham then, need to be wary. Perhaps that is why the Italian was already in London this week.

Paratici harm

The question is whether Tottenham want another Italian sporting director following the high impact but chaotic reign of Fabio Paratici.

While he modernised the squad with several big successful signings, there was plenty of high-cost, low-impact signings in their as well. And the current squad, which includes many of those signings, is now fighting against relegation.

Indeed, some would argue Paratici’s time in charge is part of the reason Tottenham currently find themselves in this situation.

Those scars could become worse in the coming months, perhaps enough for another Italian like Giuntoli to not be considered.