Gianmarco Pozzecco appointed Galatasaray head coach
Galatasaray has announced Gianmarco Pozzecco as their new head coach, with a deal that runs through the end of the 2026/27 season. He’ll officially start on January 5, 2026, and will work closely with sporting director Vladimir Micov. The club also hinted at a longer-term vision that could connect to broader European projects down the line.
Why Pozzecco is a big hire
Pozzecco, born September 15, 1972, is a well-known figure in Italian basketball. As a player he was a point guard for clubs such as Varese, Fortitudo Bologna and Khimki, and he represented Italy at major international events including the European Championships and the 2004 Athens Olympics. At club level he collected domestic titles and competed at the highest European stages.
Coaching résumé and what to expect
After retiring as a player, Pozzecco found success on the sideline as well. He led Sassari to the FIBA Europe Cup title in 2019 and earned Coach of the Year honors that season. Since then he’s held positions with top European teams including Milano, Asvel and Cedevita, and he was head coach of the Italian national team from 2022 to 2025, guiding Italy at EuroBasket and the World Cup. Known for his passionate sideline presence and strong rapport with players, Pozzecco brings energy and experience to Galatasaray’s setup.
Fans can expect an enthusiastic coach who likes to build close relationships with his roster and push for competitive results under the club’s colors. The club has welcomed him warmly and will look to make the most of his experience over the coming seasons.
