Maurizio Sarri top choice to replace Dragan Stojković as Serbia coach

Italian manager Maurizio Sarri has emerged as a leading candidate to take over as head coach of the Serbia national football team, should Dragan Stojković Piksi step down from his role. Reports from Republika.rs suggest that the Football Association of Serbia (FSS) views Sarri as their preferred option to succeed Piksi, amid speculation that Stojković is considering a highly lucrative offer from an Asian club.

Rumors of Piksi’s departure have been circulating in football circles, especially after Serbia’s recent success in the Nations League. According to the reports, an Asian club is willing to pay the buyout clause in Stojković’s contract, which he extended with FSS until 2026, following Serbia’s participation in the European Championship. Additionally, the financial offer on the table for Piksi is said to be too good to refuse.

"Where there’s smoke, there’s fire," Stojković himself hinted in a recent statement, acknowledging the existence of offers without going into details. According to Maxbet Sport, the Serbian head coach is being courted by multiple clubs with offers valued in the millions, with a potential new job starting as early as 2025.

Should Piksi choose to leave, the FSS reportedly already has a contingency plan in place, and Sarri has been identified as the ideal candidate. Known for his tactical acumen, the Italian has an impressive résumé, including stints with Chelsea, Juventus, Napoli, and currently Lazio.

Piksi, however, remains a revered figure in Serbia, having led the national team to several successes since taking charge. Prior to his work with Serbia, he enjoyed managerial success in Japan with Nagoya Grampus (2008–2014), winning the J-League title and Super Cup, and later in China with Guangzhou R&F, where he spent five years.

While Piksi has yet to confirm any final decision, the prospect of Sarri’s arrival adds intrigue to the future of the Serbian national team.