Genoa have dismissed coach Alberto Gilardino after a poor start to the Serie A season, with multiple reports indicating that former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira is set to take over.
“Genoa CFC announces that Alberto Gilardino has been relieved of his duties,” the club confirmed via social media late Tuesday.
The 42-year-old Gilardino, a 2006 World Cup winner with Italy, took charge of Genoa in December 2022 after coaching their Under-19 team. He successfully guided the club to direct promotion to Serie A in 2023 and secured an 11th-place finish last season.
However, this season has been disappointing, with Genoa sitting in 17th place, just one point above the relegation zone, after recording only two wins in 12 matches.
A celebrated striker in his playing days, Gilardino made over 500 Serie A appearances and scored 21 goals during a two-season spell with Genoa between 2012 and 2014.
He also won a Champions League title with AC Milan in 2007.
Despite his accomplishments, the club decided a managerial change was necessary to avoid relegation.
Vieira to Lead Italy’s Oldest Club?
According to Sky Sport Italia, Genoa have already lined up Patrick Vieira as Gilardino’s successor.
The 48-year-old Frenchman has been unemployed since leaving Ligue 1 side Strasbourg in July.
Football transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development on Wednesday via X.
“Patrick Vieira will sign his contract as new Genoa manager today… until June 2026 with an option for a further season. Exclusive story, confirmed,” Romano wrote.
Vieira’s managerial career began with Manchester City’s Under-23 team before spells at New York City FC in Major League Soccer, Nice in Ligue 1, and Crystal Palace in the Premier League. His most recent role at Strasbourg lasted less than a year.
If appointed, taking charge at Genoa, Italy’s oldest active football club established in 1893, would mark Vieira’s first managerial role in Serie A.
He is expected to reunite with Mario Balotelli, a recent Genoa signing, whom Vieira coached during a brief but eventful stint at Nice in the 2018–19 season.
While Genoa are yet to officially confirm Vieira’s appointment, his experience and leadership could provide the stability needed to help the club retain their Serie A status.