Could Erik Ten Hag Rebuild His Managerial Career In Italy?

Whilst the idea may sound a bit far fetched, after being spotted at Roma vs Juventus recently it may soon become a possibility especially with the Serie A’s recent issue with managerial stability.

🚨🇳🇱 Erik ten Hag is at the Roma vs Juventus match tonight. (@francescoiucca) pic.twitter.com/HQoOE1CwQ3

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) April 6, 2025

Ten Hag’s journey at Manchester United was a rollercoaster, after a promising debut season that brought the Red Devils their first silverware in six years and a return to Champions League football, the Dutchman’s second season could only be described as inconsistent and uncertainty looming about whether he will return to management, the idea of Ten Hag taking his talents to Italy isn’t as far-fetched as it might sound.

So Why Italy?

Since the turn of the decade, the Serie A has become a haven for managers to rebuild with them bringing themselves as well as their teams back to their best. Just look at Jose Mourinho, after a rocky end to his Tottenham career he secured the move to Roma and re-instated his legacy by winning them the Europa Conference League in 2022. You could also look at the success that Luciano Spaletti had at Napoli, winning them their historic Scudetto. Italian football offers managers a stage where they are appreciated more on their substance rather than spectacle, an element which may work in Ten Hag’s favour due to his tactical depth and strategic setup.

Which Clubs Could Be Interested?

After a season where they have massively underperformed, the most likely chance at a managerial space opening up is at AC Milan, the side currently sit 9th in the Serie A, a massive fall off after they finished 2nd in last season's campaign. Some other alternatives for the Dutchman would be Lazio or Fiorentina, both are consistent upper-mid table sides who you would think would welcome a manager who is capable of taking them to that next level whether this be consistent european football or moving up to that next level and trying to reach Champions League places. There have been more solid rumours flying around that Ten Hag may be planning his next step at Roma, after being spotted at their game as well as visiting their facilities being quoted as saying he is 'impressed by their training facilities.

🚨🏟️ Erik ten Hag, in attendance for AS Roma vs Juventus tonight at the Olimpico stadium.

Former Man United and Ajax coach, currently still available for new job and keen on re-starting with new project from next season. pic.twitter.com/RQUsxnbUw4

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 6, 2025

What Could He Bring To The Serie A?

Ten Hag's strengths being tactical flexibility, youth development, and a disciplined system, all align well with the Italian game. His Ajax team that famously dismantled Real Madrid and Juventus in 2019 is a perfect example of the kind of high-IQ football that Italian fans respect and admire. In a slower-paced league that prioritizes control and structure, the Dutchman would have more room to implement his philosophy without receiving constant scrutiny from the media like he experienced at Manchester United. On top of this, Italian football offers a slightly less intense spotlight for managers to work under, allowing them to create a project and develop a squad without being faced with the constant pressure to instantly succeed.

The Verdict

After a rocky ending for Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, a move to Serie A could be more than just a safe landing, it could be a new beginning. Italy has revived the careers of many managers before him, and given the tactical culture and appetite for structured, intelligent football, it might just be the perfect chance for Ten Hag to recreate what he built at Ajax and return to his former glory.