The casting in the direction could be one of the most interesting to take place in the Rosanero summer: De Sanctis is in fact looking for a profile that can raise the level compared to a two-year period with many difficulties in the role, regardless of the modules used. Barring sensational twists, Dionisi will once again focus on a scheme with three midfielders, be it 4-3-3 or 4-3-1-2: to aim for direct promotion he will need an interpreter capable of acting effectively as a bridge between defense and attack, as happened with Stulac during his time at Empoli.
The attempt to reintroduce the Slovenian in the same experiment should not materialize: the tactical rather than physical shortcomings highlighted last season are pushing him elsewhere, with Verona and Sampdoria in the window; There are also doubts about the permanence of Gomes, who could leave faced with an intriguing offer from Serie A or abroad, while Damiani could remain as a reserve but movements are also expected for him which could come from B or C clubs.
The first name for the new director is always that of Mazzitelli (in the picture). Even though there have not yet been contacts between Palermo and Frosinone, De Sanctis could take advantage of the current stalemate in the Ciociaria club to try to land the blow: the search for a coach after Di Francesco’s farewell should go in the direction of Vivarini, but the timing of the signing could be long as he himself is currently engaged in a tug of war with Catanzaro (also looking for a new coach). Mazzitelli, who Parma is also moving towards, is the most intriguing profile due to two characteristics: promoted twice to the top flight (Monza 2022 and Frosinone 2023) with a leading role and excellent propensity to score. In fact, in four of the last five championships he has scored at least 3 goals and Palermo, who in 2024 were able to count on the contribution of only Segre and Ranocchia in the scoring area, need someone in the midfield who is capable of hitting the centre.
Alongside him, another candidacy has gained traction in the last 24 hours, that of Juventus director Next Gen Hasa: he is a young profile (born in 2004) but with already established leadership qualities. The Bianconeri, who have consolidated an excellent relationship with the Pinks on the transfer front in recent years (as seen in the Brunori, Damiani and Ranocchia deals), have called him up to the first team on two occasions and used him with great continuity in Serie C, where he has finished with 2 goals and 7 assists between the championship and play-offs; Hasa, among other things, is already in the Under 21 national team, after having completed the entire process from Under 18 upwards, and he stood out in the Toulon Tournament played in the last few days, with the Italians finishing at the third place.
Another young name on De Sanctis’ notebook is that of Bianco, about to return to Fiorentina after a year on loan at Reggiana: the Gigliatis’ intention is to try to keep him, in particular after the failure of the equal role Arthur from Juventus and Lopez from Sassuolo, but Palermo is keeping an eye on the situation and if the conditions are met they will try to make an attempt. Viola from Cagliari is more secluded, having already played for the rosanero in 2012/13 (just seven appearances and no goals) but is currently considered untransferable. (*aar*)
