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2025/26 Serie A coaches guide – part 2

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&lt;p&gt;After covering the tacticians of last season’s top-half teams &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.legaseriea.it/en/media/serie-a/coaches-complete-guide-74ao8d9&#34; data-new-window=&#34;true&#34; target=&#34;_blank&#34; rel=&#34;noopener noreferrer&#34;&gt;in the first part&lt;/a&gt;, we now complete our rundown of the 2025/26 Serie A Enilive coaches. In this second instalment, we focus on those who will be leading the sides that finished in the &lt;strong&gt;bottom ten&lt;/strong&gt; in 2024/25, plus the three coaches of the &lt;strong&gt;newly promoted teams&lt;/strong&gt;. Notably, there are two &lt;strong&gt;absolute newcomers&lt;/strong&gt; – Pisacane and Cuesta – as well as two &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.legaseriea.it/en/media/serie-a/what-are-the-2006-world-champions-doing-today-74a7l8o&#34; data-new-window=&#34;true&#34; target=&#34;_blank&#34; rel=&#34;noopener noreferrer&#34;&gt;former 2006 World Cup winners&lt;/a&gt;: Grosso and Gilardino.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MARCO BARONI: EXPERIENCE AT THE SERVICE OF THE GRANATA&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;figure data-asset-id=&#34;4469890f-fda5-499d-a6c7-66028c48bb78&#34; data-image-id=&#34;4469890f-fda5-499d-a6c7-66028c48bb78&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/820f9498-d767-4954-a694-c1011d732233/Sito_HERO_baroni.png&#34; data-asset-id=&#34;4469890f-fda5-499d-a6c7-66028c48bb78&#34; data-image-id=&#34;4469890f-fda5-499d-a6c7-66028c48bb78&#34; alt=&#34;&#34;&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;Among the most seasoned coaches in the top flight, Marco Baroni brings over 20 years of experience having coached in the lower leagues before reaching the Serie A spotlight. He achieved two historic promotions with &lt;strong&gt;Benevento&lt;/strong&gt; and &lt;strong&gt;Lecce&lt;/strong&gt;, and pulled off hard-fought survivals with Lecce and Hellas Verona through determination and creativity. Last season, his big break at &lt;strong&gt;Lazio&lt;/strong&gt; got off to a bright start in both the league and Europe, but the team’s form dipped in the second half of the campaign. Now, &lt;strong&gt;Torino&lt;/strong&gt; are giving him an important chance, banking on a young squad and an evolving technical project. The aim is to bring the club back into the top half of the table.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;KOSTA RUNJAIĆ: EASTERN-STYLE EFFICINECY TAKES ROOT IN UDINE&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;figure data-asset-id=&#34;e7be6277-4c3c-40a7-bc6a-02ac42696810&#34; data-image-id=&#34;e7be6277-4c3c-40a7-bc6a-02ac42696810&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/ac0a1376-d73e-4ee4-a849-de27e554fd9c/Sito_HERO_runjaic.png&#34; data-asset-id=&#34;e7be6277-4c3c-40a7-bc6a-02ac42696810&#34; data-image-id=&#34;e7be6277-4c3c-40a7-bc6a-02ac42696810&#34; alt=&#34;&#34;&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;p&gt;He was one of last season’s revelations. Chosen to lead Udinese after his experiences in Poland with &lt;strong&gt;Pogoń Szczecin&lt;/strong&gt; and &lt;strong&gt;Legia Warsaw&lt;/strong&gt;, Kosta Runjaić enjoyed an impressive Serie A debut season. After a tense relegation battle in 2024, the Friulani comfortably secured survival under his guidance, finishing with &lt;strong&gt;twelve wins and 18 draws&lt;/strong&gt;. A flexible coach who favours physical, dynamic players, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3T8kiOdr5o&#34; data-new-window=&#34;true&#34; target=&#34;_blank&#34; rel=&#34;noopener noreferrer&#34;&gt;Runjaić showed great intelligence in adapting&lt;/a&gt; to his new home, giving the team a solid and pragmatic identity. The aim now is to build on that foundation, making the most of the young talents in the squad.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;PATRICK VIEIRA: A STEADY HAND FOR THE GRIFONE&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;figure data-asset-id=&#34;c9e368d1-feac-4e01-b6f4-23824efc2c4c&#34; data-image-id=&#34;c9e368d1-feac-4e01-b6f4-23824efc2c4c&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/4f5801d2-4c0a-445e-bc91-0125bfc8e82b/16-9-vieira-genoa-jpg-jpeg.jpg&#34; data-asset-id=&#34;c9e368d1-feac-4e01-b6f4-23824efc2c4c&#34; data-image-id=&#34;c9e368d1-feac-4e01-b6f4-23824efc2c4c&#34; alt=&#34;&#34;&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;p&gt;After guiding &lt;strong&gt;Genoa&lt;/strong&gt; to safety last season, &lt;strong&gt;Patrick Vieira&lt;/strong&gt; is ready to push forward, building on the trust and credibility he has earned. After taking over from &lt;strong&gt;Gilardino&lt;/strong&gt; on matchday 13 with the Rossoblù perilously close to the relegation zone, he immediately restored order and solidity to the team, tightening up the defence and steering the club to a comfortable finish. With previous coaching spells abroad at &lt;strong&gt;Nice&lt;/strong&gt; and &lt;strong&gt;Crystal Palace&lt;/strong&gt;, as well as a legendary playing career, Vieira brings charisma and expertise that he will aim to use to push Genoa into the top half of the table.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;PAOLO ZANETTI: CONTINUITY IN THE TRENCHES&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;figure data-asset-id=&#34;c85d5fe7-ed8a-4346-9fd9-eb95121beaae&#34; data-image-id=&#34;c85d5fe7-ed8a-4346-9fd9-eb95121beaae&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/1539282a-0337-4bd0-985d-38c8ea329513/16-9-zanetti-paolo-archivio-jpg-jpeg.jpg&#34; data-asset-id=&#34;c85d5fe7-ed8a-4346-9fd9-eb95121beaae&#34; data-image-id=&#34;c85d5fe7-ed8a-4346-9fd9-eb95121beaae&#34; alt=&#34;&#34;&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;p&gt;Confirmed to lead Hellas Verona after last season’s survival, &lt;strong&gt;Paolo Zanetti&lt;/strong&gt; is gearing up for another tough campaign. His &lt;strong&gt;Verona&lt;/strong&gt; side ended with some less-than-ideal statistics – the second-worst defence and the second-highest number of defeats (21) – but made the most of what they had, focusing on &lt;strong&gt;direct play&lt;/strong&gt; and quick &lt;strong&gt;counter-attacks&lt;/strong&gt;. Notably, the team remained unbeaten whenever they took the lead (ten wins and one draw), showing real grit and maturity. Once again, it’ll be down to &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww2lnncn8WU&#34; data-new-window=&#34;true&#34; target=&#34;_blank&#34; rel=&#34;noopener noreferrer&#34;&gt;Zanetti to find the formula&lt;/a&gt; for survival.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FABIO PISACANE: FROM YOUTH COACHING TO SERIE A&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;figure data-asset-id=&#34;46762d03-8c50-4758-aec8-58b1e138dff9&#34; data-image-id=&#34;46762d03-8c50-4758-aec8-58b1e138dff9&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/8ece2ed8-03b8-4a09-93c7-c29522c93c79/Sito_HERO_pisacane.jpg&#34; data-asset-id=&#34;46762d03-8c50-4758-aec8-58b1e138dff9&#34; data-image-id=&#34;46762d03-8c50-4758-aec8-58b1e138dff9&#34; alt=&#34;&#34;&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of the season’s most interesting bets, &lt;strong&gt;Fabio Pisacane&lt;/strong&gt;, born in 1986, has been chosen by Cagliari to take charge of the first team after making a big impression with the Sardinians’ &lt;strong&gt;Primavera&lt;/strong&gt; side, who he led to a historic &lt;strong&gt;Coppa Italia&lt;/strong&gt; triumph following a &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.legaseriea.it/en/media/primavera-cup/milan-0-3-cagliari-146eb760hemcja&#34; data-new-window=&#34;true&#34; target=&#34;_blank&#34; rel=&#34;noopener noreferrer&#34;&gt;3-0 victory over AC Milan in the final&lt;/a&gt;. A former Rossoblù stalwart with over 150 appearances as a player, Pisacane is a familiar face and a symbol of loyalty to the club – a choice that reflects both continuity and boldness. He will be assisted by Giacomo &lt;strong&gt;Murelli&lt;/strong&gt;, Pioli’s longtime right-hand man.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CARLOS CUESTA: A REVOLUTION ON THE BENCH&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;figure data-asset-id=&#34;ad1b282e-47ad-40cf-bbcc-e7b89c719176&#34; data-image-id=&#34;ad1b282e-47ad-40cf-bbcc-e7b89c719176&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/3f90baae-e261-48b5-a14d-514fce67ac38/edited-cuesta-parma-sito-jpg-jpeg.jpg&#34; data-asset-id=&#34;ad1b282e-47ad-40cf-bbcc-e7b89c719176&#34; data-image-id=&#34;ad1b282e-47ad-40cf-bbcc-e7b89c719176&#34; alt=&#34;&#34;&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;p&gt;The summer’s most fascinating appointment is &lt;strong&gt;Carlos Cuesta&lt;/strong&gt;, &lt;strong&gt;Parma’s&lt;/strong&gt; new head coach. At just &lt;strong&gt;29&lt;/strong&gt;, the Spaniard will be the youngest tactician in Serie A, embarking on his first role as a head coach after learning the ropes under &lt;strong&gt;Mikel Arteta&lt;/strong&gt; at Arsenal. I&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.legaseriea.it/it/media/serie-a/parma-a-new-era-as-manager-74617ii&#34; data-new-window=&#34;true&#34; target=&#34;_blank&#34; rel=&#34;noopener noreferrer&#34;&gt;t’s a visionary gamble from Parma’s management&lt;/a&gt;, who see in him an innovator capable of building identity and a strong technical culture. Cuesta faces the challenge of shaping a young, ambitious team with the aim of cementing Parma’s place in Serie A with a modern, distinctive style.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;EUSEBIO DI FRANCESCO: A CHANCE FOR A FRESH START&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;figure data-asset-id=&#34;0e4843f3-9d08-40e1-a415-b91a090ce8d9&#34; data-image-id=&#34;0e4843f3-9d08-40e1-a415-b91a090ce8d9&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/8dd4fe27-b7ab-499e-afea-66fb6b5f9c54/16-9-difrancesco-archivio-ok-jpg-jpeg.jpg&#34; data-asset-id=&#34;0e4843f3-9d08-40e1-a415-b91a090ce8d9&#34; data-image-id=&#34;0e4843f3-9d08-40e1-a415-b91a090ce8d9&#34; alt=&#34;&#34;&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;p&gt;After two unfortunate back-to-back relegations with &lt;strong&gt;Venezia&lt;/strong&gt; and &lt;strong&gt;Frosinone&lt;/strong&gt;, Eusebio Di Francesco has taken up the challenge at &lt;strong&gt;Lecce&lt;/strong&gt;, who recently secured &lt;strong&gt;survival for a third consecutive season&lt;/strong&gt; – a historic first for the club. The Abruzzo-born coach shares the Salentini’s philosophy of nurturing young talent and playing attacking football. After some challenging years, Lecce could be the perfect place for him to rebuild his career, aiming for the right balance between attractive football and solid results.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FABIO GROSSO: CONTINUITY AND AMBITION AFTER SERIE B TRIUMPH&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;figure data-asset-id=&#34;ea118e6e-5507-47fc-b56c-ccd6eb7add87&#34; data-image-id=&#34;ea118e6e-5507-47fc-b56c-ccd6eb7add87&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/424f675b-f676-4bd8-a473-d2372ebc95f5/16-9-sassuolo-grosso-jpeg.jpg&#34; data-asset-id=&#34;ea118e6e-5507-47fc-b56c-ccd6eb7add87&#34; data-image-id=&#34;ea118e6e-5507-47fc-b56c-ccd6eb7add87&#34; alt=&#34;&#34;&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fresh off winning the Serie B title with his dominant &lt;strong&gt;Sassuolo&lt;/strong&gt; side, &lt;strong&gt;Fabio Grosso&lt;/strong&gt; is set to embark on his first full season in Serie A. After coaching stints in Italy at &lt;strong&gt;Bari&lt;/strong&gt;, &lt;strong&gt;Verona&lt;/strong&gt;, &lt;strong&gt;Brescia&lt;/strong&gt; and &lt;strong&gt;Frosinone&lt;/strong&gt; – who he led to promotion in 2023 – and spells abroad at &lt;strong&gt;Sion&lt;/strong&gt; and &lt;strong&gt;Lyon&lt;/strong&gt;, the 2006 World Cup winner is ready to prove himself at the top level. This is a key chance for Grosso to build on his progress, leading a solid, well-organised club in a setting familiar with Serie A football.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ALBERTO GILARDINO: ENTHUSIASM AND A FRESH START&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;figure data-asset-id=&#34;8e92d835-9bdf-4f39-abaa-a2e275b99b07&#34; data-image-id=&#34;8e92d835-9bdf-4f39-abaa-a2e275b99b07&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/3270f4cd-21a6-4232-8d2f-bcbaef3dd6e0/16-9-gilardino-archivio-jpg-jpeg.jpg&#34; data-asset-id=&#34;8e92d835-9bdf-4f39-abaa-a2e275b99b07&#34; data-image-id=&#34;8e92d835-9bdf-4f39-abaa-a2e275b99b07&#34; alt=&#34;&#34;&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;p&gt;After a successful spell at &lt;strong&gt;Genoa&lt;/strong&gt;, where he earned a brilliant promotion before securing a comfortable survival, &lt;strong&gt;Alberto Gilardino&lt;/strong&gt; is taking on a new challenge at &lt;strong&gt;Pisa&lt;/strong&gt;. His mission: to keep the historic club in Serie A as they return to the top flight following a &lt;strong&gt;34-year absence&lt;/strong&gt;. The 2006 World Cup winner has methodically built his coaching career, starting out in Serie C with Pro Vercelli and Siena before moving to Genoa’s youth setup and then becoming the Rossoblù’s&lt;strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;head coach in December 2022. At Genoa, he made a strong impression, showing personality, tactical acumen and a rare knack for handling tough situations. Now, Pisa are counting on him to turn their return to Serie A into a real success story.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DAVIDE NICOLA: THE MASTER OF IMPOSSIBLE SURVIVALS&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;figure data-asset-id=&#34;d6c98bcc-4c5c-493a-a2f5-17df4c81c199&#34; data-image-id=&#34;d6c98bcc-4c5c-493a-a2f5-17df4c81c199&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/06b93d85-dda5-4b21-930b-959945795a1c/16-9-nicola-cagliari-jpg-jpeg.jpg&#34; data-asset-id=&#34;d6c98bcc-4c5c-493a-a2f5-17df4c81c199&#34; data-image-id=&#34;d6c98bcc-4c5c-493a-a2f5-17df4c81c199&#34; alt=&#34;&#34;&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;p&gt;Davide &lt;strong&gt;Nicola&lt;/strong&gt; is gearing up for another tough challenge: leading newly promoted &lt;strong&gt;Cremonese&lt;/strong&gt; as they fight to stay in Serie A, something that hasn’t happened since the 1994/95 season. If there’s one man who can rewrite history, it’s Nicola. The &lt;strong&gt;impossible mission&lt;/strong&gt; has always been his specialty. He’s previously saved Crotone, Genoa, Torino, Salernitana, Empoli and Cagliari from relegation, and usually by the narrowest of margins, finishing &lt;strong&gt;17th&lt;/strong&gt;. Only last season in Sardinia did he secure a slightly more comfortable survival, guiding Cagliari to 15th place. Cremonese are counting on his energy and outstanding motivational skills to keep them in the top flight.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(Photo LaPresse + Getty Images)&lt;/p&gt;

Among seasoned veterans and intriguing wild cards, we also find coaches tasked with avoiding relegation: our guide to the 20 tacticians starting the 2025/26 Serie A Enilive season.

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Serie A

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Inter add Ange-Yoan Bonny to their squad: the 21-year-old forward joins from Parma and reunites with Cristian Chivu, who now has an additional option up front.

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After covering the tacticians of last season’s top-half teams <a href="https://www.legaseriea.it/en/media/serie-a/coaches-complete-guide-74ao8d9" data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">in the first part</a>, we now complete our rundown of the 2025/26 Serie A Enilive coaches. In this second instalment, we focus on those who will be leading the sides that finished in the bottom ten in 2024/25, plus the three coaches of the newly promoted teams. Notably, there are two absolute newcomers – Pisacane and Cuesta – as well as two <a href="https://www.legaseriea.it/en/media/serie-a/what-are-the-2006-world-champions-doing-today-74a7l8o" data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">former 2006 World Cup winners</a>: Grosso and Gilardino.MARCO BARONI: EXPERIENCE AT THE SERVICE OF THE GRANATA<figure data-asset-id="4469890f-fda5-499d-a6c7-66028c48bb78" data-image-id="4469890f-fda5-499d-a6c7-66028c48bb78"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/820f9498-d767-4954-a694-c1011d732233/Sito_HERO_baroni.png" data-asset-id="4469890f-fda5-499d-a6c7-66028c48bb78" data-image-id="4469890f-fda5-499d-a6c7-66028c48bb78" alt=""></figure>&nbsp;Among the most seasoned coaches in the top flight, Marco Baroni brings over 20 years of experience having coached in the lower leagues before reaching the Serie A spotlight. He achieved two historic promotions with Benevento and Lecce, and pulled off hard-fought survivals with Lecce and Hellas Verona through determination and creativity. Last season, his big break at Lazio got off to a bright start in both the league and Europe, but the team’s form dipped in the second half of the campaign. Now, Torino are giving him an important chance, banking on a young squad and an evolving technical project. The aim is to bring the club back into the top half of the table.KOSTA RUNJAIĆ: EASTERN-STYLE EFFICINECY TAKES ROOT IN UDINE<figure data-asset-id="e7be6277-4c3c-40a7-bc6a-02ac42696810" data-image-id="e7be6277-4c3c-40a7-bc6a-02ac42696810"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/ac0a1376-d73e-4ee4-a849-de27e554fd9c/Sito_HERO_runjaic.png" data-asset-id="e7be6277-4c3c-40a7-bc6a-02ac42696810" data-image-id="e7be6277-4c3c-40a7-bc6a-02ac42696810" alt=""></figure>He was one of last season’s revelations. Chosen to lead Udinese after his experiences in Poland with Pogoń Szczecin and Legia Warsaw, Kosta Runjaić enjoyed an impressive Serie A debut season. After a tense relegation battle in 2024, the Friulani comfortably secured survival under his guidance, finishing with twelve wins and 18 draws. A flexible coach who favours physical, dynamic players, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3T8kiOdr5o" data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Runjaić showed great intelligence in adapting</a> to his new home, giving the team a solid and pragmatic identity. The aim now is to build on that foundation, making the most of the young talents in the squad.PATRICK VIEIRA: A STEADY HAND FOR THE GRIFONE<figure data-asset-id="c9e368d1-feac-4e01-b6f4-23824efc2c4c" data-image-id="c9e368d1-feac-4e01-b6f4-23824efc2c4c"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/4f5801d2-4c0a-445e-bc91-0125bfc8e82b/16-9-vieira-genoa-jpg-jpeg.jpg" data-asset-id="c9e368d1-feac-4e01-b6f4-23824efc2c4c" data-image-id="c9e368d1-feac-4e01-b6f4-23824efc2c4c" alt=""></figure>After guiding Genoa to safety last season, Patrick Vieira is ready to push forward, building on the trust and credibility he has earned. After taking over from Gilardino on matchday 13 with the Rossoblù perilously close to the relegation zone, he immediately restored order and solidity to the team, tightening up the defence and steering the club to a comfortable finish. With previous coaching spells abroad at Nice and Crystal Palace, as well as a legendary playing career, Vieira brings charisma and expertise that he will aim to use to push Genoa into the top half of the table.PAOLO ZANETTI: CONTINUITY IN THE TRENCHES<figure data-asset-id="c85d5fe7-ed8a-4346-9fd9-eb95121beaae" data-image-id="c85d5fe7-ed8a-4346-9fd9-eb95121beaae"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/1539282a-0337-4bd0-985d-38c8ea329513/16-9-zanetti-paolo-archivio-jpg-jpeg.jpg" data-asset-id="c85d5fe7-ed8a-4346-9fd9-eb95121beaae" data-image-id="c85d5fe7-ed8a-4346-9fd9-eb95121beaae" alt=""></figure>Confirmed to lead Hellas Verona after last season’s survival, Paolo Zanetti is gearing up for another tough campaign. His Verona side ended with some less-than-ideal statistics – the second-worst defence and the second-highest number of defeats (21) – but made the most of what they had, focusing on direct play and quick counter-attacks. Notably, the team remained unbeaten whenever they took the lead (ten wins and one draw), showing real grit and maturity. Once again, it’ll be down to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww2lnncn8WU" data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Zanetti to find the formula</a> for survival.FABIO PISACANE: FROM YOUTH COACHING TO SERIE A<figure data-asset-id="46762d03-8c50-4758-aec8-58b1e138dff9" data-image-id="46762d03-8c50-4758-aec8-58b1e138dff9"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/8ece2ed8-03b8-4a09-93c7-c29522c93c79/Sito_HERO_pisacane.jpg" data-asset-id="46762d03-8c50-4758-aec8-58b1e138dff9" data-image-id="46762d03-8c50-4758-aec8-58b1e138dff9" alt=""></figure>One of the season’s most interesting bets, Fabio Pisacane, born in 1986, has been chosen by Cagliari to take charge of the first team after making a big impression with the Sardinians’ Primavera side, who he led to a historic Coppa Italia triumph following a <a href="https://www.legaseriea.it/en/media/primavera-cup/milan-0-3-cagliari-146eb760hemcja" data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">3-0 victory over AC Milan in the final</a>. A former Rossoblù stalwart with over 150 appearances as a player, Pisacane is a familiar face and a symbol of loyalty to the club – a choice that reflects both continuity and boldness. He will be assisted by Giacomo Murelli, Pioli’s longtime right-hand man.CARLOS CUESTA: A REVOLUTION ON THE BENCH<figure data-asset-id="ad1b282e-47ad-40cf-bbcc-e7b89c719176" data-image-id="ad1b282e-47ad-40cf-bbcc-e7b89c719176"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/3f90baae-e261-48b5-a14d-514fce67ac38/edited-cuesta-parma-sito-jpg-jpeg.jpg" data-asset-id="ad1b282e-47ad-40cf-bbcc-e7b89c719176" data-image-id="ad1b282e-47ad-40cf-bbcc-e7b89c719176" alt=""></figure>The summer’s most fascinating appointment is Carlos Cuesta, Parma’s new head coach. At just 29, the Spaniard will be the youngest tactician in Serie A, embarking on his first role as a head coach after learning the ropes under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. I<a href="https://www.legaseriea.it/it/media/serie-a/parma-a-new-era-as-manager-74617ii" data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">t’s a visionary gamble from Parma’s management</a>, who see in him an innovator capable of building identity and a strong technical culture. Cuesta faces the challenge of shaping a young, ambitious team with the aim of cementing Parma’s place in Serie A with a modern, distinctive style.EUSEBIO DI FRANCESCO: A CHANCE FOR A FRESH START<figure data-asset-id="0e4843f3-9d08-40e1-a415-b91a090ce8d9" data-image-id="0e4843f3-9d08-40e1-a415-b91a090ce8d9"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/8dd4fe27-b7ab-499e-afea-66fb6b5f9c54/16-9-difrancesco-archivio-ok-jpg-jpeg.jpg" data-asset-id="0e4843f3-9d08-40e1-a415-b91a090ce8d9" data-image-id="0e4843f3-9d08-40e1-a415-b91a090ce8d9" alt=""></figure>After two unfortunate back-to-back relegations with Venezia and Frosinone, Eusebio Di Francesco has taken up the challenge at Lecce, who recently secured survival for a third consecutive season – a historic first for the club. The Abruzzo-born coach shares the Salentini’s philosophy of nurturing young talent and playing attacking football. After some challenging years, Lecce could be the perfect place for him to rebuild his career, aiming for the right balance between attractive football and solid results.FABIO GROSSO: CONTINUITY AND AMBITION AFTER SERIE B TRIUMPH<figure data-asset-id="ea118e6e-5507-47fc-b56c-ccd6eb7add87" data-image-id="ea118e6e-5507-47fc-b56c-ccd6eb7add87"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/424f675b-f676-4bd8-a473-d2372ebc95f5/16-9-sassuolo-grosso-jpeg.jpg" data-asset-id="ea118e6e-5507-47fc-b56c-ccd6eb7add87" data-image-id="ea118e6e-5507-47fc-b56c-ccd6eb7add87" alt=""></figure>Fresh off winning the Serie B title with his dominant Sassuolo side, Fabio Grosso is set to embark on his first full season in Serie A. After coaching stints in Italy at Bari, Verona, Brescia and Frosinone – who he led to promotion in 2023 – and spells abroad at Sion and Lyon, the 2006 World Cup winner is ready to prove himself at the top level. This is a key chance for Grosso to build on his progress, leading a solid, well-organised club in a setting familiar with Serie A football.ALBERTO GILARDINO: ENTHUSIASM AND A FRESH START<figure data-asset-id="8e92d835-9bdf-4f39-abaa-a2e275b99b07" data-image-id="8e92d835-9bdf-4f39-abaa-a2e275b99b07"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/3270f4cd-21a6-4232-8d2f-bcbaef3dd6e0/16-9-gilardino-archivio-jpg-jpeg.jpg" data-asset-id="8e92d835-9bdf-4f39-abaa-a2e275b99b07" data-image-id="8e92d835-9bdf-4f39-abaa-a2e275b99b07" alt=""></figure>After a successful spell at Genoa, where he earned a brilliant promotion before securing a comfortable survival, Alberto Gilardino is taking on a new challenge at Pisa. His mission: to keep the historic club in Serie A as they return to the top flight following a 34-year absence. The 2006 World Cup winner has methodically built his coaching career, starting out in Serie C with Pro Vercelli and Siena before moving to Genoa’s youth setup and then becoming the Rossoblù’s&nbsp;head coach in December 2022. At Genoa, he made a strong impression, showing personality, tactical acumen and a rare knack for handling tough situations. Now, Pisa are counting on him to turn their return to Serie A into a real success story.DAVIDE NICOLA: THE MASTER OF IMPOSSIBLE SURVIVALS<figure data-asset-id="d6c98bcc-4c5c-493a-a2f5-17df4c81c199" data-image-id="d6c98bcc-4c5c-493a-a2f5-17df4c81c199"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/6be6dbcf-fd70-012d-ec80-2d3245f5ce6a/06b93d85-dda5-4b21-930b-959945795a1c/16-9-nicola-cagliari-jpg-jpeg.jpg" data-asset-id="d6c98bcc-4c5c-493a-a2f5-17df4c81c199" data-image-id="d6c98bcc-4c5c-493a-a2f5-17df4c81c199" alt=""></figure>Davide Nicola is gearing up for another tough challenge: leading newly promoted Cremonese as they fight to stay in Serie A, something that hasn’t happened since the 1994/95 season. If there’s one man who can rewrite history, it’s Nicola. The impossible mission has always been his specialty. He’s previously saved Crotone, Genoa, Torino, Salernitana, Empoli and Cagliari from relegation, and usually by the narrowest of margins, finishing 17th. Only last season in Sardinia did he secure a slightly more comfortable survival, guiding Cagliari to 15th place. Cremonese are counting on his energy and outstanding motivational skills to keep them in the top flight.(Photo LaPresse + Getty Images)

2025/26 Serie A coaches guide – part 2 | News

2025/26 Serie A coaches guide – part 2

Among seasoned veterans and intriguing wild cards, we also find coaches tasked with avoiding relegation: our guide to the 20 tacticians starting the 2025/26 Serie A Enilive season.

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2025/26 Serie A coaches guide – part 2 | News