Vitor Pereira tipped for sack as Wolves 'enter talks' with Italy legend Daniele De Rossi

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly entered preliminary talks with Italy legend and former AS Roma manager Daniele De Rossi.

The Old Gold are said to have spoken to De Rossi’s representatives about the possibility of him replacing current head coach Vitor Pereira at Molineux. This is despite the fact Pereira has successfully navigated Wolves nine points away from the relegation zone, winning five of his 13 Premier League matches to date.

For context, former manager Gary O’Neil won just two of the opening 16 league fixtures of the season and left when Wolves were 19th in the standings. Pereira has undeniably carried out a good job of steering Wanderers to a likely escape from such a precarious spot, so it’s a surprise to see his position potentially at risk.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports Wolves’ owners are disappointed in the way the season has panned out and are seriously considering the possibility of moving in a different direction, even if Pereira keeps the club in the top flight. It’s claimed talks have been held with managerial target De Rossi in recent days, with the Italian “intending to land in the Premier League in the summer”.

De Rossi could swap one wolf crest for another having left Roma in September following just nine months in charge. The 117-time former Italy international was dismissed after 30 matches, 14 of which resulted in wins, nine were drawn and seven ended in defeat. The current season didn’t start well as De Rossi failed to win any of his first four matches and was relieved of his duties at the Stadio Olimpico.

Before managing Roma, De Rossi coached SPAL but his tenure only lasted for 126 days between October 2022 and February 2023. The 41-year-old won just three of his 17 games in the dugout, drawing six and losing the other eight. It was never going to be an easy job with SPAL one of the favourites for relegation in Serie B, but De Rossi still failed to meet expectations.

De Rossi has potential despite past failures

The spell at Roma was of course far more successful than with SPAL in terms of points per game (1.7 compared to 0.88), but De Rossi has still ultimately failed wherever he has been so far in management.

Nonetheless, his playing career speaks for itself and the former midfielder was always one of the very best leaders in Europe. De Rossi racked up a remarkable 616 appearances in 19 years with Roma, scoring 63 goals and making 60 assists. He then finished his career at iconic Argentine club Boca Juniors, going on to play seven times.

De Rossi, who won the 2006 FIFA World Cup as well as two Coppa Italia titles with Roma in 2007 and 2008, has already achieved his UEFA Pro Licence, passing the best coaching course available. His next coaching opportunity - whether that be at Wolves or elsewhere - could be pivotal.

In other news, Wolves have confirmed a contract agreement with a defender.