Serie A shake-up: three top coaching posts up for grabs

With a stronger roster available, hopefully for Napoli still including the likes of Argentine goal machine Gonzalo Higuain and Slovenia skipper Marek Hamsik, big things will be expected of the Serbian, whose relationship with chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis will certainly be intriguing, if he takes over.

Should Italian football royalty AC Milan part ways with Filippo Inzaghi, however, and fail in their rumoured pursuit of former boss Carlo Ancelotti, Napoli may find themselves having to compete for the top coaches on offer.

Sampdoria
The Genoese giants are still awaiting to hear whether they can sneak into cross-town rivals Genoa’s Europa League spot and, if so, will hope to attract a high-calibre coach to replace Mihajlovic.

Samp are certainly a work in progress, but an appealing project with a fervent fanbase and a clutch of promising players.

“Who are the favourites? One from [Roberto] Donadoni, [Maurizio] Sarri and [Paulo] Sousa will be our next coach,” was the bold claim from Blucerchiati president Massimo Ferrero.

“I would like to meet Donadoni because I have been very impressed by the spirit he has shown and because he is a great man for all that he has done for Parma,” continued the film producer, though he could face stiff competition for the ex-Italy tactician’s services, with the Rossoneri also rumoured to be circling.

This may be no great loss, however admirable Donadoni’s work with relegated Parma may have been as, after Azzurri and Napoli failures, the Italian represents somewhat of a risk on bigger stages. From the projected names, Sarri, who impressively steered minnows Empoli to Serie A, subsequently keeping them up, perhaps deserves his shot at the top table.

Udinese
The Udine outfit recently decided not to take up their option of a further year with ex-Inter Milan boss Stramaccioni, who oversaw the Little Zebra’s worst finish for nine seasons, as they ended in 16th spot.

A refreshing of the ranks is certainly in order for Udinese, who have often jostled the bigger clubs over recent campaigns and nurtured the likes of Alexis Sanchez.

The Stadio Friuli side require an experienced leader to revive their fortunes, as they could also lose iconic captain Antonio Di Natale this summer, so owner Giampaolo Pozzo must think big, with the likes of Michael Laudrup, Roberto Di Matteo and Gianfranco Zola all available.