He explains the coach’s order, and in the forefront are Italiano and Sarri

The appointment of the new coach for Panathinaikos is now in its final stage and the ‘Greens’ want to finalize the matter by the beginning of next week, in order to start planning for next season.

It is now clear that Panathinaikos has left the process of “research” and shortlist creation and moved to direct contacts with potential targets, as information indicates that they have focused on two cases of “first-line” techniques, baked in tournament conditions and demanding high goals.

In Italy, various sources insist that at the forefront for Panathinaikos remains the name of 47-year-old Fiorentina player Vincenzo Italiano (as reported by SPORT24 since Monday 27/5), who will leave the ‘viola’ bench. The case of the experienced, but also “explosive” Maurizio Sarri, who has left Lazio’s substitutes since March 13, stands out even more strongly. On the contrary, Walter Macari now seems to have lost much ground, from the separate “Italian” menu of the “clover”, the condition of which has declined much.

For the Italian, there are objective difficulties, as he is one of the most emerging coaches in the Italian League. While it has been known for several weeks that he will not remain on Fiorentina’s bench (regardless of the final result with Olympiacos). His name was entered into the Napoli list, which ended with Antonio Conte. Bologna have also shown interest in the 47-year-old since Thiago Motta’s departure to Juventus, offering the temptation of participating in the next Champions League, but the Italian is open to all proposals at the moment.

In fact, speaking to the Italian press after the final loss to Olympiacos, he said that he would speak with Fiorentina’s management in the coming days. But at the same time, the Italian media take it for granted that Sunday’s match (6/2, 20:00, postponed) for the Viola against Atalanta will be his last on the bench in the Florence team. Perhaps it is not a coincidence that the whole new coach issue must end – in time – at the beginning of next week.

As for Sarri, his career in Italian football has made history (Juventus, Napoli, Lazio, etc.), while he also has the Europa League with Chelsea in 2019 and is clearly a very big name. But she is also a “difficult” and uncompromising character. The Italians report that he has in his hands a certain attack from Panathinaikos, but also from Besiktas, while they point out that his cashier exceeds 4 million euros.

However, it is recognized that Panathinaikos spoke directly with its two main targets on the bench (but also with other names, as long as the list of coaches “competes” with more candidates), who are fully aware of everything related to the club, its roster, its goals and its plan for the coming years.

Data with Rudi Garcia

Beyond that, as SPORT24 points out, Panathinaikos has also knocked on the door of Frenchman Rudi Garcia, who left Napoli at the beginning of the year. With the 60-year-old technician making it his priority, collaborating with a team from the top 5 European Championships.

Something that doesn’t seem to have changed at the moment. However, since coach situations are always something “dynamic” and Panathinaikos has shown a strong interest in it, nothing should be ruled out. However, for now, the Italian market has the first say…