Genoa CFC has announced the departure of Patrick Vieira as head coach, bringing an end to his tenure after a disappointing start to the 2025-26 Serie A season. The club confirmed the decision on Saturday, stating that Vieira is "no longer the coach of the first team".

Vieira, the former Arsenal captain and French international, was appointed in November 2024, replacing Alberto Gilardino. He successfully guided Genoa to a 13th-place finish last season, which earned him a contract extension. However, the current season has been a stark contrast, with the team currently sitting at the bottom of the Serie A table.

Genoa has endured a winless start to the campaign, with three draws and six losses in their opening nine matches. The team has struggled to find the net, managing to score only four goals in those nine games. The final straw for Vieira appears to have been a 2-0 home defeat against Cremonese.

The club's statement expressed gratitude to Vieira and his staff for their "seriousness and professionalism" during their time at Genoa. However, the poor results ultimately led to the decision to make a change in leadership.

Roberto Murgita, assisted by Domenico Criscito, has been appointed as the interim coach. They will take charge of the team for their upcoming match against Sassuolo.

Vieira's departure marks the second coaching change in Serie A this week, following Luciano Spalletti's arrival at Juventus. This season has already seen a number of managerial changes in Serie A, highlighting the pressure on coaches to deliver results.

Prior to joining Genoa, Vieira had managerial spells at New York City FC, Nice and Crystal Palace. His time at Genoa saw him reunite with Mario Balotelli, whom he had previously coached at Nice.

Genoa now faces a crucial period as they seek to climb out of the relegation zone. The appointment of a permanent replacement for Vieira will be a key decision for the club's future. The new coach will be tasked with revitalizing the team and improving their attacking output.