Former Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has given a scathing verdict over Fabio Paratici as the Italian begins work at Tottenham Hotspur.
The ex-Juve chief football officer was announced as Spurs’ Managing Director just a few weeks ago and has already been busy in his first few days in the job with the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Portuguese became one of the first major arrivals in north London with Spurs also expected to have a busy summer within the transfer market.
Paratici joined the north London club in June following 11 years at the helm in Turin having overseen various roles.
The Italian giants lifted nine Serie A crowns with Paratici at the club, with the 48-year-old having a huge hand in the high-profile arrivals of Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo, amongst others.
Despite that, not everyone was a fan of his work at the Juventus Stadium - one of those being former club president Cobolli Gigli.
Speaking to TuttoJuve about Paratici’s influence following confirmation of his successor Luigi Cherubini, he said: “I hope that Cherubini has learned more from Marotta than from Paratici: his free transfer and capital gains policy has not proved to be profitable: it is no coincidence that he was removed. I do not know Cherubini: I hope he can work well.”
Despite Gigli's scathing assessment of the Italian, Spurs owner Daniel Levy was far more optimistic following his appointment.
Following confirmation of Paratici’s initial arrival, he said: “I've known Fabio for a number of years and he brings with him a wealth of experience in scouting, youth and football operations. He has an outstanding track record in assembling competitive squads.
“As we all know, Juventus have been a highly successful club and he has been a major part of that. He will be a great addition to the management structure. I am delighted that he will be heading up the football side of the Club as we look ahead to next season.”
