Managerial changes and injuries: November break takes its toll on Serie A | OneFootball

It’s been quite an eventful November break for Serie A clubs, with three managerial changes and a few big players injured while on international duty.

Serie A resumes this weekend with some big games as Milan and Juventus meet at San Siro on Saturday, while table leaders Napoli host Roma at the Maradona on Sunday.

The Giallorossi were one of the three Italian clubs that changed coaches during the break.

Claudio Ranieri returned for his third spell at the Stadio Olimpico to replace Ivan Juric. The Croatian tactician was sacked immediately after a 3-2 loss to Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico.

Managerial changes and injuries: November break takes its toll on Serie A

Claudio Ranieri oversees his first training session back in charge of Roma alongside director Florent Ghisolfi. (picture via www.asroma.it)

Serie A strugglers Lecce also changed their coach soon after a home 1-1 draw against Empoli, replacing Luca Gotti with Marco Giampaolo, a former Milan and Sampdoria coach, who had been without a club for two years.

Last but not least, Genoa suddenly appointed Patrick Vieira in place of Alberto Gilardino just five days before a key game against direct opponents Cagliari. The ex-midfielder will be unveiled at a press conference today.

The most annoying updates for Serie A clubs came from national teams, as a few Serie A stars suffered injuries during the international break.

Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu returned from Turkey international duty with a muscle injury that will force him to the sidelines against Hellas Verona on Saturday.

Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic will also not be available against Milan due to a muscle problem, while Juan Cabal suffered a knee injury in Colombia and is not expected to play again this season.