Lisci: The Coaching Journey from Youth Ranks to European Football
The path to professional football management is rarely linear. For Lisci, a Rome-born coach, the journey has been one of persistence, transitioning from the grassroots of Italian football to the high-pressure environments of La Liga and the Greek Super League. His career is defined by a steady climb through youth academies and a proven ability to stabilize struggling teams.
Early Career and Italian Roots
Lisci's connection to football began on the pitch in Rome. During his playing days, he primarily featured for Promozione (regional amateur) sides, most notably representing Guidonia in Serie D. Upon retiring from active play, he transitioned into the technical side of the game, serving as a fitness coach for the youth teams at Lazio.
The Levante Years: A Spanish Foundation
In 2011, Lisci sought new opportunities in Spain. After receiving offers from both Atlético Madrid and Levante, he chose the latter, as Atlético only offered him a position in eight-a-side football. He began his tenure at Levante as an assistant for the Juvenil A (under-19) side while simultaneously managing an eight-a-side team. To support himself during his first two years in Valencia, he also worked as a representative in the Italian food trading market.
Despite a brief departure in 2016 following the sacking of manager Miguel Ángel Villafaina, Lisci returned shortly after to lead the Juvenil B side. By June 12, 2018, he had ascended to the manager position of the Juvenil A squad.
His transition to senior football began on December 15, 2020, when he replaced Luis Tevenet as manager of the reserves in Segunda División B (the third tier of Spanish football). He successfully navigated the team away from relegation, ensuring their place in the newly formed Segunda División RFEF.
Rise to the First Team
Lisci's breakthrough came on December 1, 2021, when he was appointed interim manager of the first team in La Liga following the dismissal of Javier Pereira. His debut was a resounding 8–0 victory over Huracán Melilla in the Copa del Rey. His professional league debut followed on December 5, 2021, in a 0–0 draw against Osasuna.
Shortly after, he was officially appointed manager of the Granotas (Levante's nickname) for the remainder of the season. Although he inherited a team in last place and the club was eventually relegated, Lisci kept the side competitive until the final rounds. He left the club on June 30, 2022, after refusing a role as Methodology Director, citing his strong desire to continue managing.
Success at Mirandés and Osasuna
After a nearly year-long hiatus from coaching, Lisci returned to the dugout on June 8, 2023, as the manager of Mirandés in the Segunda División. His tenure was marked by significant progress; after narrowly avoiding relegation in his first season, he led the Jabatos (Mirandés' nickname) to the play-off finals in his second season. He departed the club on June 23, 2025.
Immediately following his exit from Mirandés, Lisci signed a two-year contract with Osasuna in the top flight. His time there concluded on May 25, 2026, after he once again succeeded in narrowly avoiding relegation for the club.
New Horizons with PAOK FC
Continuing his trajectory across Europe, Lisci was announced as the new head coach of PAOK FC in the Super League Greece on June 22, 2026, marking his first managerial role outside of Spain.
Key Facts
- Origin: Born in Rome, Italy.
- First Professional League Debut: December 5, 2021, against Osasuna.
- Notable Achievement: Led Mirandés to the play-off finals in his second season.
- Specialization: Proven track record of avoiding relegation in high-pressure scenarios.
- Current Club: PAOK FC (as of June 2026).
| Club/Organization | Role | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Lazio | Youth Fitness Coach | Entry into coaching |
| Levante | Youth & First Team Manager | La Liga debut; avoided reserve relegation |
| Mirandés | Manager | Reached play-off finals |
| Osasuna | Manager | Avoided relegation |
| PAOK FC | Head Coach | Current appointment |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Lisci choose Levante over Atlético Madrid in 2011?
Lisci accepted the position at Levante because Atlético Madrid only offered him a role in eight-a-side football, whereas Levante provided a path into youth coaching.
What was Lisci's first result as a first-team manager?
His first match in charge was a dominant 8–0 away victory against Huracán Melilla in the Copa del Rey.
Why did Lisci leave Levante in 2022?
He left after his contract expired because he refused the position of Methodology Director, stating that he had a strong desire to continue managing teams.
Which teams has Lisci helped avoid relegation?
Lisci successfully avoided relegation with Levante's reserve side, Mirandés (in his first season), and Osasuna.
Where is Lisci coaching currently?
As of June 22, 2026, Lisci is the head coach of the Greek Super League club PAOK FC.