A sought-after man: Bologna's successful coach Thiago Motta. © ANSA / CESARE ABBATE

The coaching carousel in Serie A is turning

This year's Serie A season ends in two weeks. In the background, planning for the new season is already in full swing. There could be some changes, especially on the coaching benches.

13 Maj 2024

From: dl/cst

The hottest stock on the Italian coaching market right now is Thiago Motta. For the first time in 60 years, the former midfielder has the Bologna FC led to the Champions League. But it's not just the success that proves him right, but also the way he plays. Next to Inter, Bologna probably has the most attractive football in Serie A and also has the second best defense.

But the 41-year-old successful coach could soon be history in Bologna. Juventus has been busy working on Motta, who still has a one-year contract in Emilia-Romagna, for weeks. Just like Max Allegri in Turin. Juve would like to replace the former champion coach after four relatively unsuccessful years. The Tifosi can no longer identify with the playing style of the Allegri team - the second half of the season in particular was an imposition.

Max Allegri's days at Juventus seem numbered. © ANSA / ANGELO CARCONI

Auch Milan is thinking about a change in the coaching bench a year before the contract expires. For Stefano Pioli, after almost 5 years, it could be over in the summer in second place in the table. There are many successor candidates, the favorite is said to be Leipzig coach Marco Rose.

Another change in the coaching bench will certainly be forgotten after a season Napoli make. Francesco Calzona's days are numbered on Vesuvius. A hot candidate for successor is Vicenzo Italiano. The 46-year-old led the Fiorentina to the final of the Conference League for the second time in a row. His contract in Florence is expiring. Just like Ivan Juric's Torino. Possible successor is Venezia's Paolo Vanoli.

Gilardino and Palladino in focus

Genoa coach is also in demand Alberto Gilardino, who is playing a good season with the promoted team from Liguria. Milan – where Gilardino was already a player – is said to have made inquiries. The name Gilardino is also used in Florence. As a professional, Gilardino played 157 games (63 goals) for Fiorentina.

Genoa coach Alberto Gilardino (right) has made a name for himself. © ANSA / Roberto Bregani

Monza coach Raphael Palladino is another interesting name on the Italian coaching market - but can imagine staying with the Lombards. Palladino recently set the 100-point mark as a two-year goal with Monza. Nevertheless, nothing is set in stone here either, especially since Juventus sports director Cristiano Giuntoli has spoken positively about Palladino in the past. The ex-Juve professional could be the surprise man for the Turin team.