Discover the most underrated Serie A managers in 2025 who are making tactical waves behind the scenes. Learn how they’re reshaping the league quietly but powerfully.

Serie A’s Most Underrated Managers Today

In the world of football, managers often take center stage—especially those at the helm of Europe’s elite clubs. In Italy’s Serie A, much attention is given to high-profile names like Simone Inzaghi, Massimiliano Allegri, or Stefano Pioli. However, beneath the spotlight, a group of underrated managers are quietly redefining Italian football with tactical innovation, player development, and impressive overachievements.

These managers may not receive the mainstream praise they deserve, but their work is fundamental to shaping the quality and competitiveness of the league. From developing unknown talents to outperforming financial constraints, these coaches are proof that tactical brilliance doesn’t always come with a global reputation.

Let’s explore the most underrated managers in Serie A today and examine what makes them essential figures in the evolving landscape of Aw8.

1. Raffaele Palladino – Monza

After taking charge of Monza following their promotion to Serie A, Palladino has quietly built a competitive team that plays proactive football. With a limited budget and modest squad, he’s brought Monza into mid-table stability and even challenged bigger clubs in head-to-head clashes.

Key Achievements:

Mid-table finish in first top-flight season
Developed young talents like Colpani and Colombo
Compact 4-2-3-1 system with high pressing

His ability to balance defensive stability with attacking transitions makes him one of the most tactically astute coaches in the league.

2. Thiago Motta – Bologna

Once a midfield maestro, Thiago Motta is now showing his managerial skills with Bologna. His teams are organized, aggressive, and progressive in possession. Motta’s use of positional play and quick vertical passing has surprised even the strongest Serie A sides.

Highlights:

Promoted several youth players
Known for positional rotations and pressing traps
Punching above Bologna’s expected position

He’s widely tipped to eventually take over a top club, and his work at Bologna shows he’s ready.

3. Vincenzo Italiano – Fiorentina

Italiano might be on the radar for some fans, but he still doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Since arriving at Fiorentina, he has restored attacking football, built a high-pressing identity, and led the team to consistent top-half finishes and European competition qualifications.

Tactical Highlights:

4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 with fluid wingers
High possession-based game
Constant full-back overlaps to overload wide areas

Despite limited resources, Italiano continues to make Fiorentina a team feared in both Serie A and the Europa Conference League.

4. Eusebio Di Francesco – Frosinone

Once forgotten after his Roma exit, Di Francesco is reviving his career with newly promoted Frosinone. Under his leadership, they’ve become one of the most entertaining teams in the league, especially impressive given their budget and experience level.

Notable Points:

Reliance on young, energetic players
Risky but exciting football
Created a strong home record despite underdog status

His tactical courage and faith in youth deserve more appreciation within the league.

5. Alberto Gilardino – Genoa

The former striker turned manager is doing a phenomenal job at Genoa. He has brought stability and structure to a team that has been yo-yoing between Serie A and Serie B. His pragmatic style might not attract headlines, but it delivers results.

Key Strengths:

Structured low blocks
Maximizing results from limited chances
Strong emphasis on defensive transitions

Gilardino’s side is hard to beat and well-disciplined—testament to a manager who has quietly mastered the basics.

6. Paolo Zanetti – Empoli

Zanetti may not be a household name, but his tactical flexibility and adaptability have helped Empoli stay in the top flight with minimal investment. He encourages a compact defensive shape with quick breaks and organized midfield patterns.

Why He Stands Out:

Utilizes 4-3-1-2 or 4-4-2 based on opponent
Prioritizes team balance over individual brilliance
Empoli continues to overachieve in expected goals against (xGA)

7. Davide Nicola – Salernitana

Davide Nicola is known as the great survivor of Serie A. His ability to rescue teams from relegation is nothing short of legendary. At Salernitana, he has once again built a tough, united team that plays with heart.

Key Contributions:

Tactical flexibility under pressure
Builds strong dressing room morale
Employs direct play mixed with clever set-pieces

Why These Managers Deserve More Credit

Despite not leading Serie A giants or making international headlines, these managers are tactically progressive and adaptive. They are also excellent talent developers, many of whom nurture players who go on to join top clubs. They work under financial limitations but still maintain competitive standards, often outperforming expectations.

The Future of Serie A Coaching

Serie A has long been known as the home of defensive football, but these underrated managers are helping to modernize the league. From high presses to possession-based systems, they are pushing the boundaries and creating a more exciting spectacle for fans.

As football becomes more analytical and demanding, the value of managers who can extract the most from limited resources has never been higher. Don’t be surprised if some of these names take over big jobs in the coming seasons.

Conclusion

While names like Spalletti and Inzaghi continue to draw the spotlight, Serie A’s underrated managers are quietly building the future of Italian football. Their tactical innovations, developmental focus, and leadership are vital to the health and evolution of the league.

So the next time you tune into a Serie A match involving Frosinone, Monza, or Bologna—pay close attention to the sidelines. The mind behind the tactics might just be the future face of the league.

Support the growth of the league by following and appreciating these unsung managerial heroes. Their work behind the scenes is crafting the next chapter of Italian football brilliance—one match at a time. Stay passionate, stay loyal, and keep supporting the league!