Former Palermo and Roma left back Federico Balzaretti has been appointed by Udinese as their new sporting director. The 41-year-old has agreed to a two-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 2025.
This marks Balzaretti’s first venture into senior management in Serie A, following his recent tenure with Serie C side Vicenza. His primary responsibility is to fill the shoes of the renowned Pierpaolo Marino, who officially left the club last week.
Marino, widely respected as one of the league’s top executives, served Udinese for a total of nine years over two separate periods. Although Marino’s contract was initially set to expire at the end of the month, both parties decided to mutually part ways.
“Pierpaolo has been a key figure during his many years at the club,” Udinese wrote on their website last week.
“The mutual respect and friendship between he and Udinese Calcio will remain unchanged and the club will always be grateful for the professionalism and expertise he has provided.”
