Cremonese sack Nicola; Giampaolo agrees 18-month deal

A heavy 4-1 home defeat against Fiorentina proved fatal for Nicola. U.S. Cremonese announced that Mr Davide Nicola has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the first team and thanked the manager and his staff for the professionalism, commitment and dedication they have shown since their arrival in Cremona.

Cremonese sit three points clear of Lecce, who are fourth from bottom, with nine matches remaining. The Grigiorossi have picked up just two points in the second half of the season, and the club are scrambling to turn things around. Marco Giampaolo has emerged as the frontrunner to replace him.

A verbal agreement has been reached for an 18-month contract that would run until the end of 2027, even in the event of relegation; final details are being ironed out ahead of his signing and all that remains is the official announcement. Giampaolo secured Lecce’s survival in 2024/25 with a crucial 1-0 victory away at Lazio on the final day, courtesy of a goal from Coulibaly, a result that saw Di Francesco’s Venezia side relegated.

cremonese, davide nicola, marco giampaolo, fiorentina, cremona, lecce, lazio, venezia, relegation, head coach