François Ciccolini

• Born: 3 June 1962 (age 61–62)
• Place of birth: Poggio-Marinaccio, France
• Position: Forward (as player)
• Role: Football manager, former player

Early life and playing career

François Ciccolini was born on 3 June 1962 in Poggio-Marinaccio, France. As a player, he primarily played as a forward. His playing career was spent largely in the lower divisions of French football, notably with Corsican clubs such as Étoile Filante Bastiaise and Gazélec Ajaccio. He did not achieve a professional playing career at the highest levels of French football.

Managerial career

Ciccolini transitioned into coaching after his playing career. He has had an extensive and varied managerial career, often characterized by his strong personality and deep connection to Corsican football.

Early coaching roles

His early coaching roles included managing several Corsican clubs, such as Gazélec Ajaccio, Étoile Filante Bastiaise (where he also played), CA Bastia, and FC Calvi.

SC Bastia

Ciccolini is most closely associated with SC Bastia, a prominent Corsican club, where he held various roles over several periods:

• Youth and Assistant Roles: He worked within the club's youth setup and served as an assistant manager on multiple occasions.
• Interim Manager (2004): He had a brief stint as interim head coach in 2004.
• Head Coach (2016–2017): His most notable period as head coach came during the 2016–2017 Ligue 1 season. He took over from Ghislain Printant in January 2016 and led the team through a challenging period in the top flight. His tenure was marked by passionate displays and a direct style of play, though the club ultimately faced relegation battles. He was known for his fiery temperament and strong ties to the club's identity.

Later managerial roles

Following his time at SC Bastia, Ciccolini continued his coaching career with various clubs:

• Stade Lavallois: He managed Stade Lavallois in the French third division (National).
• Gençlerbirliği: He had a brief spell managing Turkish Süper Lig side Gençlerbirliği.
• USM Alger: He also managed USM Alger in the Algerian top flight.
• AC Ajaccio: He later returned to Corsica to manage AC Ajaccio.

Style and reputation

François Ciccolini is known for his passionate and often outspoken approach to football management. His deep roots in Corsican football and strong connection to the local community have defined much of his career. He is often seen as a coach who demands intensity and dedication from his players.