Patrick Vieira is reportedly being lined up to manage Genoa after the Serie A side sacked coach Alberto Gilardino on Tuesday.
Former AC Milan striker Gilardino guided Genoa to promotion in 2023 but departs following a lacklustre start to the current season.
Genoa have 10 points from the first 12 games of the campaign and are hovering above the relegation zone in 17th place, with Sky Sport Italia saying they will appoint former Arsenal captain Vieira.
“The club thanks mister Gilardino for the goals achieved together over the years and wishes him the best for his career,” the club said in a statement.
Vieira parted ways with French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg in July, having previously managed Premier League club Crystal Palace. If confirmed, he would take charge of Italy’s oldest active football team, established in 1893.
🔵🔴 Genoa confirm Alberto Gilardino has been fired with immediate effect.
The new head coach will be Patrick Vieira, as exclusively revealed today. pic.twitter.com/m3mHdJWNU6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 19, 2024
The Frenchman began his managerial career with Manchester City’s under-23 team from 2013-2015, before he took over at MLS side New York City. He then spent two-and-a-half years at Ligue 1 side Nice before moving to Palace.
Vieira would also reunite with new signing Mario Balotelli, having coached the Italian striker for 10 matches when they were both at Nice in the 2018-19 season.