Agnelli to replace Blanc as Juventus president

Andrea Agnelli will replace Jean-Claude Blanc as Juventus president at the end of the season.

Blanc, who will stay at the Turin giant as its chief executive, welcomed the appointment of Agnelli as a "great opportunity" for the club.

"This is a new initiative," Blanc said. "At a delicate time like this, working alongside Andrea will determine our future and I am convinced that we will do well."

Agnelli will look to give direction to Juventus after a poor campaign in both Serie A and Europe. The side is currently sixth in the league, 19 points behind leader Inter Milan, while it failed to qualify out of its group in the Champions League.

It is the second presidential change Juventus has made this season, with Blanc having replaced Giovanni Cobolli Gigli in October.

"Blanc will remain as chief executive," Agnelli said. "He will be involved in every facet of the club, though principally he will work on revenue streams and stadium development. I think I will be able to help develop the club and help the team I love improve its results."

There have been questions raised about the club's transfer policy, with Brazilian midfielders Diego and Felipe Melo failing to make an impact and youth-team products such as Sebastien Giovinco not being used.

Andrea's father, Umberto, was the last Agnelli to be Juventus president, nearly 50 years ago. Giovanni Agnelli, Andrea's uncle, was the club's longtime honorary president.