Why Cremonese chose Giampaolo and their relegation fight

The defeat against Fiorentina proved decisive, leading to Davide Nicola’s sacking after a run of 15 matches without a win; their last victory came on 7 December against Lecce. With little time left in the season and the threat of relegation looming, the club turned to Marco Giampaolo, who had been out of work since his last Serie A spell in charge of Lecce last season.

Giampaolo has signed until 30 June 2026, with an automatic extension for a further season should the club avoid relegation. After hours of deliberation and having studied several candidates, the decision rested on his long experience in Serie A — roughly twenty years — and the hope that he can instill a new mindset and rekindle enthusiasm within the squad.

He also knows the environment, having previously worked at Cremonese in Serie C between November 2014 and May 2015. His return to Serie A is scheduled for Saturday 21 March, when Cremonese face Parma at 3pm as they aim to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat.

Italy

cremonese, marco giampaolo, davide nicola, serie a, relegation, parma, fiorentina, lecce, contract extension, managerial sacking