Besiktas appoints Vincenzo Italiano as new head coach, Ndidi's future uncertain

Turkish club Besiktas has officially appointed Vincenzo Italiano as their new head coach, signing the Italian tactician to a contract that runs until the end of the 2027-28 season. The announcement brings an end to weeks of speculation surrounding the club's leadership following a deeply disappointing campaign.

Italiano, 48, arrives from Bologna, where he spent two seasons in Serie A. His previous coaching experience includes spells at Fiorentina and Spezia. His arrival marks the end of Sergen Yalcin's tenure, as Besiktas endured one of their worst seasons in recent history, finishing fourth in the Süper Lig and trailing champions Galatasaray by a significant margin.

The appointment introduces a new dynamic for Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who joined Besiktas last August. Ndidi, 29, signed a three-year deal after leaving Leicester City, where he was a consistent performer. In his first season with Besiktas, he made 25 appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist, and was appointed vice-captain.

However, Ndidi's position at the club is now uncertain. Turkish sports commentator Mustafa Demirtas has suggested that Italiano's tactical system may not accommodate a holding midfielder like Ndidi. Demirtas indicated that Besiktas might seek a different profile for the position during the upcoming summer transfer window, potentially signaling the end of Ndidi's time in Istanbul.

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Italiano’s style has no room for the type of holding midfielder Ndidi represents, and that Besiktas are expected to sign a different profile in that position during the summer window.