Local media reported that former Italian international Fabio Cannavaro is the favorite to succeed Cioffi.
Coach Gabriele Cioffi has been dismissed from his role at Udinese amid a critical period for the team, as they strive to maintain their status in Serie A, the club announced today.
This development comes during a challenging season for Udinese, which sees them perilously close to the relegation zone. The club, where Portuguese player João Ferreira is on the roster, made the decision public through an official statement.
Cioffi, aged 48, was midway through his second tenure with the club having initially replaced Andrea Sottil earlier in the season. Despite his efforts, he managed to secure only four wins from 24 matches, a record that has left Udinese vulnerable in the battle against relegation.
This wasn't Cioffi's first stint with Udinese, as he had previously led the team during the 2021/22 season. His reappointment had sparked hopes of stabilizing the team and improving their league standings, but these expectations were not met, leading to his departure.
Currently, with just six matches left in the season, Udinese finds itself in a precarious 17th place, holding 28 points. They are tied with Frosinone, who occupy the 18th spot and a direct relegation place, highlighting the urgency of their situation.
Looking ahead, Udinese faces a daunting challenge in their next fixture against Bologna on Sunday. Bologna is performing strongly this season, currently holding the fourth spot in the league, which makes the upcoming match a critical test for Udinese’s survival aspirations.
Amidst these turbulent times, speculation is rife about Cioffi's successor, with local media pinpointing former Italian international Fabio Cannavaro as the leading candidate for the role. Cannavaro’s potential appointment is generating interest due to his prestigious playing career and previous managerial experiences in Italy and abroad, which might bring a new dynamic to the struggling Udinese side as they fight to secure their place in Italy’s top football division.
