<p>TURIN, Italy — Andrea Pirlo is leaving Juventus after only one season as coach following a fourth-place finish that ended the club’s run of nine straight Serie A titles.</p>
<p>Juventus did not say in Friday’s statement whose decision it was to go, but reports in Italy say the 42-year-old Pirlo was fired.</p>
<p>Pirlo, a former Juventus player who had never coached at any level, was surprisingly appointed last year after Maurizio Sarri was fired.</p>
<p>“A few months ago, Andrea Pirlo, an icon of world soccer, began his new adventure, his first as a coach,” Juventus said in <a href="https://www.juventus.com/en/news/articles/good-luck-andrea-pirlo">a statement</a>. “To do this, first of all, it takes courage, as well as awareness of one’s own means … Pirlo has just begun the first steps of what will no doubt become a brilliant career as a coach.”</p>
<p>Juventus won the Italian Cup and the Super Cup under Pirlo, but Inter Milan won the Serie A title.</p>
<p>The club also faltered in the Champions League, losing to Porto in the round of 16.</p>
<p>“Since in soccer, what counts are the victories, let’s remember them: in the space of a few short months Pirlo’s Juve has raised two trophies: The Italian Supercup and the Coppa Italia. And he, as coach, brought home brilliant victories on the most prestigious of fields, from San Siro to Camp Nou,” Juventus added.</p>
<p>Pirlo’s replacement could be announced imminently. Former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has reportedly signed a three-year deal at the club — only two seasons after his departure.</p>
<p>Juventus won five straight league and cup doubles under Allegri and also reached two Champions League finals.</p>
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