Filippo “Pippo” Inzaghi’s managerial career has been a mix of highs and lows, shaped by emotional comebacks, difficult sackings, and a persistent desire to prove himself beyond his legendary playing days.
As he takes charge of Palermo in the 2024–25 season, expectations are cautiously optimistic, with hopes he can deliver promotion to Serie A and restore pride to one of Italy’s most passionate football cities.
Hei has carved out a unique reputation in Italian football – not just as a legendary striker, but as a coach with a special knack for guiding clubs out of Serie B and into Serie A.
While his playing days were marked by poaching goals in the box, his managerial legacy is increasingly defined by promotion campaigns, resilience, and tactical pragmatism.
The highs of Inzaghi’s managerial career
Venezia (2016–2018)
- Achievement: Led Venezia from Serie C to Serie B, winning the Lega Pro title and Coppa Italia Serie C in 2016–17.
- Reputation: Built a reputation as a modern, motivational coach, capable of organising solid defences and igniting underdog squads.
- High Point: Guided Venezia to a Serie B playoff spot in 2017–18.
Benevento (2019–2021)
- Achievement: Won Serie B in the 2019–20 season with record-breaking dominance (points and margin of victory).
- Serie A Return: Took Benevento to the top flight for only the second time in their history.
- Moment of Pride: Beat Juventus 1–0 away in March 2021—a major shock and personal triumph.
Pisa (2024–2025)
- Inzaghi was appointed head coach of Pisa in Serie B on July 3, 2024, replacing Alberto Aquilani..
- The club had not played in Serie A since the 1990–91 season, meaning a 34-year absence from the top flight..
- Pisa finished in second place with 76 points from 38 matches: 23 wins, 7 draws, and 8 losses—a club-record tally in Serie B
Despite winning promotion Inzaghi resigned from Pisa in mid-June 2025, shortly after securing promotion, and joined Palermo in Serie B, signing a multi-year contract with ambitions to replicate his success there.
The lows of Inzaghi’s managerial career
AC Milan (2014–2015)
- Expectation: His first big job. Handed the reins of a flailing Milan after Clarence Seedorf.
- Outcome: Finished 10th in Serie A; poor football, lack of identity, and results underwhelming.
- Aftermath: Seen as too inexperienced for such a volatile position. Dismissed after one season.
Bologna (2018–2019)
- Expectation: Hired to stabilise and perhaps push Bologna into mid-table.
- Reality: Dismal form; only 2 wins in 21 games.
- Sacked: January 2019. The club brought in Mihajlović, who immediately turned things around.
Recent struggles
- Reggina (2022–2023): Looked promising in Serie B, but financial chaos around the club led to instability and relegation due to off-pitch issues.
- Salernitana (2023–2024): Took over mid-season with the goal of saving the club in Serie A. Sacked in February 2024 after a poor run and lack of improvement.
Expectations at Palermo (2024–25)
Promotion push
- Palermo fans and ownership expect a strong push for promotion to Serie A. The club finished mid-table in 2023–24 but has the infrastructure and backing (City Football Group) to aim higher.
Why Palermo chose Inzaghi:
- Proven track record in Serie B.
- Charisma and ability to energise players and fanbases.
- Palermo want a symbolic leader who can grow with the team and restore them to Italy’s top flight.
Pressure and challenges:
- Palermo is a city where football is tied deeply to local pride.
- Inzaghi must quickly find consistency and avoid the kind of patchy form that’s plagued his recent jobs.
- Anything short of promotion or playoffs will be considered a failure.
Final thought:
Filippo Inzaghi’s managerial career mirrors his playing style: passionate, dramatic, and occasionally chaotic.
Palermo offers both a new opportunity and a potential redemption arc. He’s back in a division he knows well – now it’s up to him to prove that he can still rise as a coach the way he once did as a poacher in the box.
