Genoa CFC Parts Ways with Patrick Vieira Amidst Tumultuous Serie A Season

In the heart of Liguria, a footballing storm has erupted. Genoa CFC, Italy’s oldest professional football club, has parted ways with head coach Patrick Vieira following a winless start to the 2025/26 Serie A campaign. The decision, announced on November 1, 2025, comes after the Rossoblù found themselves languishing at the bottom of the league table with a meager tally of three points, all secured from draws in nine arduous battles on the pitch.

Vieira, a towering figure in world football known for his exploits with the French national team and Arsenal, took the reins at Genoa in November 2024. The 2024/25 season saw him steer the club away from the relegation precipice, finishing 13th, a commendable feat with 8 wins and 9 draws from 26 matches. However, the current season has been less forgiving. A sobering record of 0 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses underlined the urgency for change.

The final straw came with a disheartening 0-2 home defeat against Cremonese on October 29, 2025. The Luigi Ferraris Stadium, usually a cauldron of fervent support, echoed with the discontent of fans who voiced their frustration, adding to the mounting pressure on Vieira. In the aftermath, Roberto Murgita, along with Domenico Criscito—a club legend and U-17 coach—were entrusted with the interim stewardship of the first team.

In a statement expressing gratitude, the club acknowledged Vieira's professionalism, yet the writing was on the wall. The dismissal also followed the departure of sporting director Marco Ottolini, who was relieved of his duties on October 31, 2025. This marked the second coaching change in Serie A this week, following Juventus' decision to part ways with Igor Tudor.

Genoa CFC now embarks on a search for a new permanent head coach, aiming to revitalize a squad rich in history but currently mired in uncertainty. The interim period under Murgita and Criscito is anticipated to stabilize the ship before a new era can begin. As the Rossoblù faithful await the dawn of a new leadership, the echoes of the past remind them of the resilience that is synonymous with their storied club.