Alessio Lisci: All you need to know about PAOK's new coach

PAOK is embarking on a new era under head coach Alessio Lisci, who takes over from Răzvan Lucescu. The 40-year-old Italian brings a decade of experience from Spanish football, having previously managed at Levante, Mirandés, and most recently, Osasuna.

Lisci's tenure at Osasuna during the demanding 2025-26 La Liga season was marked by significant challenges. The team battled against relegation, ultimately securing survival by finishing fourth from the bottom with 42 points. His record included 11 wins, 9 draws, and 18 losses in the league, and 14 wins, 9 draws, and 19 losses across all competitions, including the Copa del Rey, in 42 matches.

Despite a notable unbeaten streak in March, Osasuna's season concluded in a nail-biting fashion with six consecutive losses, bringing them perilously close to demotion. This difficult run was compounded by a demanding schedule that included matches against powerhouses like Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. Spanish reports also cited off-field factors, such as a reduced squad quality and market value due to management's player renewal choices, as contributing to the team's struggles.

Lisci worked with a squad heavily reliant on Spanish players, with only three foreign players, limiting his tactical options and stylistic variety. He primarily employed a 5-3-2 formation, aiming for defensive solidity and quick transitions. However, the team's scoring difficulties and frequent injuries during winter hindered consistency and prevented the establishment of a stable core lineup. Despite these adversities, the pressure, and the late-season slump, Lisci successfully kept Osasuna in La Liga, demonstrating his ability to perform under demanding circumstances.