The 2025-26 Serie A season is set to commence in less than a month, promising significant changes with 12 teams welcoming new managers this summer, which is expected to make the Italian league even more captivating. Major clubs such as Inter and AC Milan have also changed their coaching staff. Cristian Chivu has taken the helm at Inter, replacing Simone Inzaghi ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, while Massimiliano Allegri marks his return to Milan, stepping in for Sergio Conceicao after a less-than-stellar previous season.
AS Roma has embarked on a hopeful new era with Gian Piero Gasperini, previously of Atalanta, at the helm. Coincidentally, Gasperini`s former role at Atalanta has been filled by Ivan Juric, who previously coached Roma. Igor Tudor`s position at Juventus has been confirmed following his interim appointment in March after Thiago Motta`s dismissal. Meanwhile, Antonio Conte at Napoli and Vincenzo Italiano at Bologna are set to continue their successful tenures, having secured the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia respectively last season.
Despite receiving numerous offers, particularly from Inter, Como successfully retained Cesc Fabregas. The former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder is widely regarded as one of Europe`s most promising young coaches and aims for significant achievements this season. Meanwhile, Parma has appointed Carlos Cuesta, formerly Mikel Arteta`s assistant at Arsenal, as their new head coach, making him the youngest manager in the league`s history. Let`s now delve into the ranking of all 20 managers, taking into account the teams they will lead this year.
1. Antonio Conte – Napoli
Antonio Conte secured another title in his debut season with Napoli, becoming the first coach to win the Serie A with three different clubs (Juventus, Inter, and Napoli). The Azzurri remain strong contenders for the league title, bolstered by significant new arrivals, including former Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne. Conte is also keen to demonstrate his capabilities in international competitions, building on his immediate success in Naples.
2. Gian Piero Gasperini – AS Roma
After a decade of shaping Atalanta`s success, Gian Piero Gasperini has embraced perhaps his greatest challenge yet: re-establishing long-term success at AS Roma. The club views him as the ideal candidate for a significant rebuild, even if the process requires patience.
3. Massimiliano Allegri – AC Milan
Massimiliano Allegri makes his comeback to AC Milan, where he previously clinched a Serie A title in 2011. Following five titles with Juventus, his current objective is to guide Milan back into the Champions League, particularly after a disappointing 2024–25 season that saw them miss out on European qualification.
4. Vincenzo Italiano – Bologna
Vincenzo Italiano extended his tenure at Bologna after leading the club to the 2024–25 Coppa Italia, a historic achievement. Despite initial concerns about his ability to replicate Thiago Motta`s previous success, Italiano has undeniably proven his doubters wrong.
5. Maurizio Sarri – Lazio
Maurizio Sarri makes a surprising return to Lazio, having resigned in March 2024. Despite the club`s financial constraints, their aspirations for European qualification heavily depend on his renowned tactical expertise.
6. Cesc Fabregas – Como
The Spanish coach is recognized as one of Europe`s most exciting young managers. Como successfully fended off interest from clubs like Inter to retain Fabregas and invested $100 million in the transfer market, positioning themselves as genuine contenders for a European spot.
7. Stefano Pioli – Fiorentina
After a spell with Al-Nassr, Stefano Pioli returns to Fiorentina, where he previously coached from 2017 to 2019. Expectations are high as he takes over from Raffaele Palladino.
8. Igor Tudor – Juventus
Initially appointed as a caretaker manager in March 2025, Igor Tudor earned a contract extension. Despite earlier rumors linking Antonio Conte to the role, Juventus ultimately committed to Tudor after a turbulent season under Thiago Motta.
9. Ivan Juric – Atalanta
Ivan Juric`s appointment is one of the most controversial hires of the summer. A former player under Gasperini, Juric had a dismal spell at Roma and faced relegation with Southampton. He now faces the formidable task of maintaining the decade of success established in Bergamo.
10. Cristian Chivu – Inter
Inter took a gamble by appointing Cristian Chivu after parting ways with Simone Inzaghi, despite reaching the 2025 Champions League final. With only 13 Serie A games under his belt at Parma, his limited experience makes this a particularly risky decision.
11. Marco Baroni – Torino
Marco Baroni moves to Torino after a single season at Lazio. His primary goal is to push the team towards European qualification after years of mid-table stagnation, where they faced no real relegation threat but also lacked ambition.
12. Kosta Runjaic – Udinese
After joining Udinese in 2024 and successfully steering them away from relegation, Kosta Runjaic now has the opportunity to prove himself as more than just a short-term solution for the club.
13. Davide Nicola – Cremonese
Renowned as a survival specialist, Davide Nicola has been brought in to guide newly promoted Cremonese through their inaugural season back in the top flight, with the primary objective of avoiding relegation.
14. Alberto Gilardino – Pisa
Pisa has hired 2006 World Cup winner Alberto Gilardino following his impressive run at Genoa. With Pisa returning to Serie A for the first time since the 1990–91 season, survival will be their paramount objective.
15. Patrick Vieira – Genoa
Patrick Vieira replaced Gilardino and delivered an impressive performance during the latter part of the 2024–25 season. His strong showing has already attracted significant attention from other prominent European clubs.
16. Fabio Grosso – Sassuolo
This season is pivotal for Fabio Grosso, as he receives his second opportunity at top-flight management following a disappointing previous spell at Brescia.
17. Paolo Zanetti – Verona
Paolo Zanetti continues his tenure at Hellas Verona after guiding them to a 14th-place finish last season. Having previously managed Venezia and Empoli, he has established himself as a dependable coach in battling relegation.
18. Fabio Pisacane – Cagliari
Fabio Pisacane takes on his first senior team coaching role after leading Cagliari`s youth team to Coppa Italia success in 2025. He now steps into Serie A as a debutant manager at the highest level.
19. Carlos Cuesta – Parma
As the youngest manager in Serie A history, Carlos Cuesta, formerly Mikel Arteta`s assistant at Arsenal, has been appointed to lead Parma. His arrival signals a new strategic era for the club, following in the footsteps of previous innovative hires like Enzo Maresca.
20. Eusebio Di Francesco – Lecce
With four consecutive sackings and two relegations behind him, this season might represent Eusebio Di Francesco`s final opportunity to prove his capability to remain in Serie A.
