Former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink lined up to replace Ciro Ferrara at Juve

Russia national coach Guus Hiddink is being lined up to replace struggling Juventus boss Ciro Ferrara.

The former Chelsea manager is among a number of managers the Italian club want to speak to following their 3-0 home loss at the hands of a David Beckham inspired AC Milan on Sunday.

Hiddink is the front-runner for the post and is ready to discuss his future after returning from a winter vacation in Kenya.

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The 63-year-old is considering whether to stay on as Russia boss for the Euro 2012 qualifiers, while he has also been linked with a return to Chelsea as technical director.

The humiliating loss to AC Milan was Juventus third defeat in four games and leaves them 12 points behind pacesetters Inter Milan.

Fans in Turin showed their displeasure by lighting a fire in stands which stayed ablaze through most of the second half.

But Ferrara said: 'I don't feel as though my job is at risk. I am instead very focused on what we must do in order to change this negative trend.

'I will accept any decision but as I have said before and I reiterate, I will not leave this ship. It's a very difficult time for us.'

Juventus have given away nine goals in their last four games and former defender Ferrara understands the fans' frustration.

He added: 'It is us that have to change things around although right now, we are all hit by sadness.
'I just want to recreate the spirit that there was at the start of the season.'

Italy boss Marcello Lippi, who has denied he plans to return to the club in an executive role after the World Cup, said: 'They're dealing with several injuries but they're also going through a moment of psychological insecurity.

'I don't know the necessary measures that need to be taken but there are people within the club up to that task.'