A New Chapter: Hellas Verona Parts Ways with Paolo Zanetti

The echoes of a fallen era reverberate through the storied halls of Hellas Verona as the club finds itself at a crossroads, a juncture marked by the abrupt departure of head coach Paolo Zanetti. On February 2, 2026, the club announced Zanetti's dismissal, a decision precipitated by a crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Cagliari—a loss that left the Gialloblu stranded at the bottom of Serie A. This melancholic chapter in Verona's illustrious history is not merely a tale of defeat, but a reflection of the tumultuous seas the club has navigated over the past season and a half.

Zanetti's tenure, spanning just over a season and a half, was one of aspirations and frustrations. The once promising trajectory has succumbed to the weight of unmet expectations, with Verona languishing with a mere 14 points from 23 games. A solitary pair of victories in December 2025 offered a fleeting glimpse of hope, but the shadow of relegation loomed ever larger as the season wore on. With the club level on points with Pisa and four points adrift from safety, the urgency for change became palpable.

The decision to relieve Zanetti of his duties is emblematic of a broader trend sweeping across Italian football's top tier. In a season marred by instability, Verona became the sixth Serie A club to change head coaches, underscoring the incessant pressures and precariousness inherent in the sport. The club's official statement, while thanking Zanetti for his contributions, marked the end of a chapter that failed to deliver the stability and success envisioned.

Primavera coach Paolo Sammarco has been entrusted with the monumental task of steering the ship back on course. As he took charge of the team's training session, the weight of the club's storied past and the hopes of its fervent supporters rested upon his shoulders. With 15 rounds remaining, the narrative of Verona's season is yet to be fully penned. The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but within the heart of Hellas Verona lies a resilience that has withstood the test of time. The Gialloblu faithful wait with bated breath, yearning for a renaissance, a rekindling of the spirit that once propelled their beloved club to glory.