Osasuna sacks coach Lisci after close brush with relegation

La Liga club Osasuna announced on Monday that coach Alessio Lisci has been sacked after just one season in charge.

The decision comes two days after the Pamplona-based side only avoided relegation on the final day of the season, staying up on goal difference despite a 1-0 defeat away to Getafe. Lisci still had a year remaining on his contract.

Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid vies with Abel Bretones of CA Osasuna during the La liga football match between Real Madrid and CA Osasuna in Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain, on Aug. 19, 2025. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

"The club wishes to thank the Italian coach for his dedication, effort, and commitment shown during the season he managed the team, as well as the excellent treatment he extended to the members, fans, board of directors, and employees during this period," read the club statement announcing the 40-year-old's dismissal.

Lisci joined Osasuna last summer after two seasons at second-tier Mirandes, whom he came close to leading to promotion in 2024-25.

Osasuna struggled for results early in the campaign, but improved as the players adapted to Lisci's methods, with winger Victor Munoz's form even earning him a Spain call-up for the World Cup.

However, a disastrous run of five straight defeats to close the season dragged Osasuna from the fringes of European contention to the brink of relegation - a collapse that ultimately cost Lisci his job.