Serie B 2025-2026: the coaching carousel between certainties and new ambitions

By Marta Elena Casanova

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Serie B has always been a laboratory of ideas, a league where coaches matter almost as much as players. Not surprisingly, every summer the bench market becomes the real score sheet of the season to come. The 2025-2026 edition is no exception: some clubs have chosen to confirm their managers, convinced that the path taken is the right one, while others decided to change in order to give new energy to their projects. Some opted for experienced names, others for emerging profiles: the result is a varied mosaic that perfectly reflects the unpredictable nature of Serie B.

Confirmations

Several clubs decided to start again from solid bases. Avellino renewed their trust in Raffaele Biancolino, Carrarese confirmed Antonio Calabro, Cesena kept Michele Mignani, and Mantova did the same with Davide Possanzini. Reggiana once again chose Davide Dionigi, Spezia held on to Luca D’Angelo, while Sudtirol confirmed Fabrizio Castori.
These decisions send a clear message: continuity above all. In a long and grueling league like Serie B, where stability often makes the difference, keeping the same coach means believing in a technical project without giving in to the temptation of constant change.

The changes of course

Alongside confirmations, there were also some significant shifts. The most talked-about was Palermo’s decision: after Alessio Dionisi, the bench was handed to Filippo Inzaghi. His charisma and will to win fuel expectations of promotion to Serie A, but Palermo is a demanding environment that won’t forgive missteps.
Monza, just relegated from Serie A, opted for Paolo Bianco. A young coach with modern ideas and experience as Allegri’s assistant, now ready for the spotlight. A more sober choice compared to the past, but potentially forward-looking.
Empoli, also coming down from Serie A, appointed Guido Pagliuca after his brilliant spell with Juve Stabia. A radical change, signaling the desire to start fresh with young talent and proactive football.

Experience and new challenges

Other moves add further intrigue. Giovanni Stroppa takes over Venezia, bringing with him deep knowledge of the division. Frosinone turned to Massimiliano Alvini to bring stability after too many ups and downs. Catanzaro chose Alberto Aquilani, betting on the courage of a young, ambitious coach.
Virtus Entella surprised many by hiring Andrea Chiappella, one of the most interesting emerging managers. Again, the will is clear: to take risks, look ahead, and try to reap the rewards of new ideas.
A special case is Sampdoria, starting over with Massimo Donati. A former player at the club, he now takes charge of a team that only just avoided relegation to Serie C in the playouts. The challenge is steep: Serie B offers no discounts, and the pressure at Marassi can be both an advantage and a burden. Still, the choice of the board is clear: entrust the team to someone who knows the club inside out to regain identity and unity.

A league decided from the bench

Looking at the whole picture, three trends emerge. The first is continuity, chosen by clubs that want stability. The second is the path taken by relegated sides, betting on new coaches to bounce back quickly. The third is the most fascinating: gambling on young managers who could become the surprise of the season.
Serie B remains the coaches’ league, where benches weigh heavily and every season can rewrite the hierarchy. Heading into the new campaign, one thing is certain: no decision was random. Some clubs chose stability, others change, others risk. Now it’s up to the pitch to decide who was right.

Table – Serie B benches 2025/26

By Marta Elena Casanova