The Coaching Carousel of Next Season

Too bad Oronzo Cana’ isn’t a real manager, his 5-5-5 formation would be a breath of fresh air. (For those of you that don’t get the reference, I urge you to watch the film L’Allenatore nel Pallone and even the recent sequel L’Allenatore nel Pallone 2. Great films). So we’re at the point of the season were some teams are already thinking towards next season, and with 10 games left the rumors start about players switching clubs and more importantly managers. So let’s go team by team and analyze who might be staying or going or who might be hired.

Atalanta- Salvation or relegation doesn’t matter, Bortolo Mutti probably won’t be offered a contract renewal, even if he achieves the miracle (which will be pretty hard given Atalanta’s current form). The local press in Bergamo are pushing for Elio Gustinetti, who has done well with Albinoleffe and Grosseto; Primavera boss Bonacina could be an option.

Bari – There’s no doubt about it, Bari’s manager for next season will be Giampiero Ventura. Ventura has created an efficient side that also knows how to attack and have fun. Sure they might lose important players like Bonucci and Ranocchia, but with Ventura on the bench Bari can still dream.

Bologna – Franco Colomba has brought serenity to Bologna since his arrival. He is achieving important results, not confirming him for next season would be a ridiculous move. But from Bologna’s shabby ownership group, it wouldn’t be a surprise.

Cagliari – Cagliari patron Cellino obviously wants to hold on to Allegri, but he knows that Allegri is being followed by big clubs. At the top of the list is Fiorentina, who see him as the perfect replacement for Prandelli. If he does leave expect Cagliari to go after another Serie A debutant, maybe Pierpaolo Bisoli (an ex-Cagliari player) who is performing miracles with Cesena at the moment in Serie B.

Catania – Sinisa Mihajlovic will most likely stay if the Sicilian side saves themselves, just like president Pulvirenti has stated. However Catania won’t get in the way if a bigger club comes knocking. It’s too early too throw out names for a replacement, but most probably a manager from the lower divisions would be brought in.

Chievo – Di Carlo is the perfect manager for Chievo right now, just like Delneri was a couple of years ago. There are rumors saying Udinese wants him for next season, but they are just rumors at the moment.

Fiorentina – Cesare Prandelli said he’s ready to sign on for another 5 years, but it’s not likely he will be at the helm next season. Prandelli is wanted by both Juventus and the National Team and with Fiorentina looking very unlikely of qualifying for the Champions League the era of Prandelli is probably over. Allegri and Delneri are the two main targets for the post-Prandelli.

Genoa – Preziosi hinted that it may be time him and Gasperini part ways. Preziosi said “It’s too soon to talk about it” which didn’t give very positive signals. Gasperini could be a candidate for the Juventus job because of his past Bianconero history. If he left Preziosi would probably go after a manager impressing in Serie B like Bisoli or Moriero.

Inter – Many “insiders” think that Jose Mourinho will leave at the end of the season. We’ll see what happens, especially since the nerazzurri are still alive in the Champions Leauge. The main name thrown around as his replacement is Bordeaux’s Laurent Blanc (an ex-Inter player), who has really transformed Bordeaux into a top club.

Juventus – This is the job that is talked about almost every day. Who will be Juventus manager next season? There are so many names that you can write a book. Zaccheroni probably sealed his fate last night, and the long sought after Hiddink is coaching the Turkish national team. Benitez will probably leave Liverpool, but it looks like he may be contacted by Real Madrid. So who does that leave? Antonio Conte probably would’ve been a better choice last summer than Ferrara, but Juve decided to stick with Ciro. Allegri and Prandelli are options, but this is definitely going to be interesting to see how it turns out.

Lazio – This is difficult to say right now. Lazio first has to focus on remaining in Serie A, because relegation to Serie B would mean a real revolution. Reja probably won’t stay on, even if his contract runs until 2011. Ballardini is still on the books and will be next season unless he finds another team.

Livorno – It all depends on where Livorno will be playing next season. If they save themselves Cosmi will probably stay on, if they are relegated he’s probably gone.

Milan – Leonardo’s bench is for the most part safe and he’ll probably be confirmed for next season. Milan is fighting for the Scudetto and Galliani and co. have excused him for the mistakes in the beginning given he was just starting out. However it has been noted that in Brazil they see Leonardo as a good candidate to succeed Dunga as national team boss after the World Cup. We’ll have to see.

Napoli – Mazzarri is definitely staying on, De Laurentiis likes him and he has made a positive impact on the club.

Palermo – Zamparini has said that Delio Rossi is the best manager he’s ever had. There hasn’t been many criticisms in the press or anything yet, and it looks like Delio Rossi will be on the bench next season, especially if Palermo qualify for the Champions League.

Parma – The good rapport between Ghirardi and Guidolin was hurt a little during the stretch of negative results. Most probably at the end of the season there will be a mutual agreement to go separate ways, with the Gialloblu looking to hire Pasquale Marino.

Roma – Another easy one: Ranieri will be the manager next season, unless he himself decides to leave and manage the national team.

Sampdoria – Delneri only signed a 1 year deal and its uncertain whether he will renew or go elsewhere (Fiorentina). There are four names lined up to replace him: Mihajlovic (a former Samp fan favorite), Ballardini, Berretta, or Allegri (unlikely).

Siena – Same situation as Livorno, it all depends on relegation. If Siena performs a miracle Malesani will most definitely be in charge next season. However if they are relegated Malesani may want to stay and try and win promotion.

Udinese – With Marino probably going to Parma, it was reported long ago that Pozzo had an agreement in place already with Marco Giampaolo for next season. If Giampaolo isn’t hired they might go after Mimmo Di Carlo.

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Category: AC Milan, Bari, Bologna, Cagliari, Catania, Chievo, Fiorentina, Genoa, Inter, Juventus, Lazio, Napoli, Palermo, Parma, Roma, Rumors & News, Sampdoria, Serie A, Udinese