After only three and a half months of being at the helm of the Hornets, Watford have made the decision to sack Claudio Ranieri as head coach of the club. Throughout his return to the Premier League since his difficult spell at Fulham in the 2018-19 campaign, the Italian tactician has only obtained seven points throughout his short tenure with the Hornets. Despite his recent failure in shifting Watford around, it seems like a chance to seek redemption may be available within the top-flight league of Italy. Without further ado, here are two9 Serie A clubs that can potentially be Ranieri’s next destination.
Cagliari
Since the arrival of Walter Mazzarri as head coach of the Rossoblu after the dismissal of Leonardo Semplici before the beginning of this year’s campaign, the Italian tactician is struggling to find even the slightest bit of consistency with the club. As a result, it seems like the end of Mazzarri’s reign as head coach may come to an end shortly as it is only a matter of time that the club pulls the plug on his contract.
As it stands, Cagliari sit in 18th place with only 17 points from 23 Serie A games played. Mazzarri has only managed to win a total of three games this season, causing his club to be found within the drop zone.
Although he possesses numerous experienced players within his squad such as Mattias Caceres, Nahitan Nandez, Kevin Strootman, Keita Balde, and Joao Pedro, Mazzarri has failed to implement a system that is filled with defensive organization. His players react too slow within the final third and apply barely any pressure higher up the pitch, making it very easy for the opposition to break the lines and score goals.
With Cagliari only a point away from 17th-placed Venezia, it may be the perfect time for Ranieri to grab the club by the horns and potentially save them from relegation. The Italian tactician’s 4-4-2 formation would improve the Rossoblu’s below-par defensive structure within their zone, as well as implement creative fast-paced counter attacking style of play within the final third that would make them more clinical in front of goal.
Salernitana
After their fabulous Cinderella story of returning to the Serie A for the first time in 23 years, I Granata have struggled heavily to keep up with the pace of the other clubs. Despite the return of Stefano Colantuono as head coach since his departure from the club in 2018, the Italian tactician has been unable to find any run of form throughout his era in the dugout.
As of right now, Salernitana currently sit at the bottom of the table with only possessing ten points out of 22 fixtures throughout this year’s campaign. I Granata have only managed to win three games, while losing 17 games and conceding a total of 53 goals within the league. Despite the slim margin of possibility that Salernitana might survive relegation this season, Ranieri might be able to shed a ray of hope and help the club climb out of the deep abyss.
Based on the standings, Salernitana are only eight points away from obtaining spot that would provide them safety within the Serie A next season. With only 16 games remaining, the potential hiring of Ranieri can possibly be the point of inflection for I Granata this season.
The Italian tactician can take the club by storm through his high-pressing and compact style of play, implementing a more defensive solidity that would allow Salernitana to win the ball back more easily and break on the counter. It may be close to impossible of keeping Salerntina above water. However, if there is one man that has the necessary skills to do so, it is Mr. Dilly Ding Dilly Dong himself.