Torino FC has named Ignazio Abate as its new head coach, handing the 39-year-old a two-year contract that runs through June 2028. The appointment was confirmed following meetings between club president Urbano Cairo and sporting director Gianluca Petrachi around June 8-9, with journalist Fabrizio Romano among the first to report the deal.

From Milan’s youth setup to Serie A’s hot seat

After hanging up his boots, Abate led AC Milan’s youth teams before his appointment at Serie B side Juve Stabia in June 2025. Abate was selected over candidates Alberto Gilardino and Ivan Juric, both of whom carried more senior-level experience on their resumes.

Abate spent the bulk of his best years at AC Milan, and also had a stint at Torino as a player, giving him an emotional connection to the club.

Why this matters for Torino’s direction

A two-year deal is noteworthy in Italian football, where managerial tenures can sometimes be measured in months rather than seasons.

The broader picture: tech partnerships and club strategy

Abate’s appointment comes as Torino continues to pursue off-pitch innovation alongside its on-field ambitions. The club has maintained a commercial partnership with YouHodler, a Swiss Web3 platform, since 2022. That deal has been extended into the 2025-26 season and is designed to promote digital finance services to Torino’s fanbase. There are no crypto tokens or blockchain-based fan engagement products tied directly to the coaching change.