Official: Italian coach Lisci appointed new PAOK boss

Italian coach Alessio Lisci has officially moved on from Osasuna to take over at Greek side PAOK Salonika, aged just 40.

The tactician is younger than some current players, but that hasn’t stopped him forging an impressive career in football management.

He had started out as the fitness coach at Lazio’s youth academy before moving to Spain for Levante in 2011.

There the Italian climbed the ranks to cover the youth coach roles, then assistant manager before becoming head coach in 2021.

Lisci remained in Spain for Mirandes and in 2025-26 was in charge of Osasuna, overseeing 11 wins, nine draws and 18 defeats.

They had been pushing for European places, but a run of five consecutive defeats made for an anxious end to the campaign.

They managed to narrowly avoid relegation from LaLiga, sending Mallorca down instead on goal difference, but he was still dismissed.

Today the 40-year-old begins a new experience in Greece with PAOK, officially signing a two-year contract.

He replaces Razvan Lucescu, who parted company with the club by mutual consent last week after a five-year stint in charge.

Lisci adds to the growing number of Italian tacticians working around Europe.