Genoa considering major double sacking of manager and sporting director | OneFootball

Genoa is reportedly on the verge of a major upheaval, contemplating the simultaneous dismissal of both manager Patrick Vieira and Sporting Director Marco Ottolini. The decision on the new coach will hinge entirely on the appointment of Ottolini’s replacement, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The poor performance of the team, which has delivered the worst Serie A start in the club’s history, has caused the ownership—President Sucu and CEO Blazquez—to abandon their prior guarantee of full confidence in Vieira. Crucially, the club’s strategy is to bring in a new Sporting Director first, who would then make the final decision regarding Vieira’s immediate future.

The top name being considered to replace Ottolini is Diego Lopez, formerly of Lens. Ottolini’s position was reportedly weakened by the poor summer transfer choices, which were approved by the French manager, and also by speculation linking him to Juventus.

If Vieira is sacked immediately, the club may appoint an interim coach from the youth sector, such as former Rossoblù stars Mimmo Criscito (Under-17 coach) or Gennaro Ruotolo (Under-16 coach), who would be paired with a Uefa Pro licensed coach. Vieira, who has not secured a single league win since arriving in November 2024, is considered highly unlikely to remain in his post beyond the next few weeks.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN