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Fabrizio Romano Exclusives #1 – The coaching carousel

Written by Fabrizio Romano
3min read
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The transfer market never really rests… this week, all the buzz is around the coaches.

And so the carousel begins

Yep, top clubs are hunting for new blood, while some are already locking down replacements. Between contract extensions, total overhauls, and shock hires, there’s a little something for everyone.

Inter Milan


Starting with Inter, who’ve actually stepped away from the falling dominoes by locking down Cristian Chivu’s extension. The Romanian coach is set to sign a deal through June 2028 with an option for 2029. It’s a done deal, and the paperwork is already being approved. The official announcement is coming soon.

Napoli

Napoli, on the other hand, just parted ways with Antonio Conte and is pushing to lock down his replacement this week. Vincenzo Italiano is completely on board after a positive meeting in Rome, though Max Allegri is still very much in the running.

Napoli’s GM, Manna, has been working on bringing in Allegri to replace Conte for weeks now, but Italiano is really making De Laurentiis think twice. The Napoli president is expected to make his final call very shortly.

The Italian national team


Where is Conte heading next? As of today, there’s been zero contact with AC Milan despite the rumors. Meanwhile, any potential storylines linking him to the National Team are on hold until the upcoming Federation presidential election shakes out. Roberto Mancini is open to the job, and Conte himself would love a return to the Azzurri, but the timing just isn’t right yet.

AC Milan

Speaking of Milan, their refusal to pursue Conte comes down to a clear strategy: they want a coach with a completely different style of play.

Gerry Cardinale is busy hunting for both a new GM and a new head coach. Andoni Iraola is a major target following a top-secret meeting in London nearly two weeks ago. Milan is making its push, but Iraola has two other offers on the table and plans to weigh all his options before making a final decision.

Juventus and Roma


Juventus has decided to stick with Luciano Spalletti, moving forward with zero hesitation after his contract extension a few months back. Meanwhile, Roma is handing the keys over to Gian Piero Gasperini, with Tony D’Amico tipped as the frontrunner to become their next GM.

Como and the rest


Como is also locking things down, keeping the untouchable Cesc Fàbregas on board after he turned down multiple offers from the Premier League. He’s staying put to lead Como into the Champions League.

Notes from around the league: Maurizio Sarri is signing a three-year deal with Atalanta, Gennaro Gattuso is locking in a two-year contract with Lazio… and Fabio Grosso is one step away from joining Fiorentina on a contract through 2028.

Fabrizio Romano

Fabrizio Romano

Time2play Contributor since May 2026

Awards
Awards Best World Sport Journalist of the Year - Globe Soccer Awards
Specialization
Specialization Soccer
Experience
Experience 13 years of experience in sports journalism

My name is Fabrizio Romano. Born in Naples in 1993, I’m an international soccer journalist specializing in the transfer market.

You probably know me for my motto, “Here we go!”, which I use to announce when a transfer is officially a done deal.

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