Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has explained the reasons behind the meeting between Marcello Lippi and Jean-Claude Blanc, excluding the possibility of a Claudio Ranieri exit.

Reports in Tuttosport last week claimed that Blanc had met with the World Cup-winning coach, and speculation followed regarding Lippi's eventual return to the club. Gigli has explained why the meeting came about, in an attempt to play-down all the hype.

"I knew very well that there would be a meeting between Blanc and Lippi," Gigli told Sky Sport Italia.

"We just wanted to get Lippi's opinion, after all he is the Italy coach who manages our players both present and future.

"Knowing Lippi's opinion is always expedient and I think it's right for Blanc to meet with him every six months."

The Old Lady has been linked with a number of star players in the summer transfer window, but Gigli remains tight-lipped over who will be coming in.

" Blanc will meet with [Alessio] Secco in a few weeks and they will oversee a reinforcement operation," concluded the chief.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com