Genoa have appointed Patrick Vieira as their new head coach, replacing Alberto Gilardino. Vieira is set to begin work with the team this week following the agreement’s completion, with the club yet to publicly announce the change.
Genoa currently sit in 17th place in the Serie A standings with 10 points from their first 12 matches. In their most recent outing, the team drew 1-1 at home against Como. This result extended their unbeaten streak to two matches, having previously secured a 1-0 away victory over Parma. Prior to this modest run, Genoa endured a difficult nine-game winless streak, suffering seven defeats and recording two draws.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Genoa appoint Patrick Vieira as new head coach to replace Alberto Gilardino.
Agreement done as Vieira will start work at Genoa this week. 🇫🇷🤝🏻 @MatteMoretto pic.twitter.com/w0WyvRjlDh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 19, 2024
Vieira’s most recent managerial role was at Strasbourg, where he guided the club to a 13th-place finish in the 2023/24 Ligue 1 season. His arrival at Genoa also reunites him, potentially, with Mario Balotelli. The two shared time as teammates at Manchester City during the 2010-2011 season. While Vieira was a respected veteran leader, Balotelli was known for his fiery temperament and controversial antics. Despite their differing personalities, Vieira reportedly had a positive influence on Balotelli during their shared time at City, adding an intriguing layer to their possible reunion at Genoa.