West Ham United is set to appoint Rita Guarino as their new women’s team manager following the sacking of Rehanne Skinner. Guarino, the former manager of Inter Milan and Juventus, will take the helm at the club during a challenging season in the Women’s Super League (WSL). The Italian coach, who earned 99 caps for Italy as a player, is regarded as one of the most successful and respected figures in Italian women’s football. This will mark her first managerial role in England, and her arrival is expected to bring a fresh approach to the team as they aim to avoid relegation and climb the WSL standings.
Key Information
- Manager Appointed: Rita Guarino
- Previous Clubs: Juventus (4x Serie A Champion), Inter Milan
- International Career: 99 caps for Italy as a player
- Contract Length: Likely until 2027
- First Match in Charge: Away vs Chelsea (January 11, 2026)
- Current Position: 2nd from bottom, 2 points above Liverpool
- Key Objective: Avoid relegation and strengthen the squad
Rita Guarino brings a wealth of experience to West Ham after an impressive career in Italy. As the head coach of Juventus between 2017 and 2021, she led the team to four consecutive Serie A titles, a remarkable achievement in Italian women’s football. In addition to her league triumphs, Guarino also guided Juventus to two domestic cups. Her success at Juventus solidified her reputation as one of the best managers in Italy, and she is now poised to take on the challenge of coaching in England.
Before her managerial career, Guarino had an extensive playing career, earning 99 caps for the Italy national team. She also served as a coach for Italy’s Under-17s, gaining valuable experience in youth development. Her deep understanding of football, both as a former player and a coach, makes her an ideal candidate to lead West Ham through a challenging period in the WSL.
West Ham’s Struggles and the Search for a New Manager
West Ham’s women’s team has struggled this season, winning just one of their 11 WSL matches. The club’s poor form led to the dismissal of Rehanne Skinner, who had been at the helm for two and a half years. Despite the team’s efforts, they find themselves near the bottom of the league, only two points above relegation-zone team Liverpool. With a crucial January transfer window approaching, the club is hoping that Guarino’s appointment will help them strengthen their squad and avoid the drop.
Rita Guarino’s arrival is seen as a bold move by West Ham, as she is relatively unknown in England. However, her success in Italy and her vast experience in managing top-tier women’s football teams make her a highly respected figure. West Ham is hopeful that Guarino will be able to turn the team’s fortunes around and guide them to safety in the second half of the season.
It is reported that Rita Guarino will be offered a contract until 2027, reflecting the club’s long-term commitment to rebuilding their women’s team. One of her first challenges will be navigating the January transfer window to reinforce the squad and move up the WSL standings. The club is currently in a precarious position and will need immediate results to avoid being dragged further into the relegation battle.
Guarino’s first match in charge will be an away fixture against defending WSL champions Chelsea on January 11, 2026. After that, she will face an FA Cup fourth-round trip to WSL2 side Newcastle United. West Ham’s next home match will be against Tottenham Hotspur on February 1, 2026.
The Challenge Ahead for Guarino
Taking over a team struggling near the bottom of the league is never easy, but Rita Guarino’s experience at Juventus, where she managed a winning team under immense pressure, will serve her well at West Ham. The club will need to make the most of the January transfer window, and Guarino will likely seek to bring in new players to strengthen their attack and defense.
Despite the challenges ahead, Guarino’s appointment represents a new chapter for West Ham’s women’s team. If she can replicate the success she enjoyed in Italy, she could help the club rise up the table and secure a solid mid-table finish in the WSL.
Rita Guarino’s appointment marks a fresh start for West Ham’s women’s team, which has struggled this season in the WSL. Her extensive experience in top-tier women’s football, combined with her success in Italy, makes her a promising choice for the club. With the January transfer window approaching, Guarino will need to quickly assess her squad and make the necessary changes to ensure West Ham’s survival in the league. Fans will be hoping that the Italian manager can lead the team to better results in the second half of the season and help West Ham move up the table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Rita Guarino?
Rita Guarino is an Italian football manager and former player. She was the head coach of Juventus women’s team from 2017 to 2021, leading them to four consecutive Serie A titles. Guarino has also managed Italy’s U-17 women’s national team and has earned 99 caps as a player for the Italian national team.
2. Why was Rehanne Skinner sacked?
Rehanne Skinner was sacked due to West Ham’s poor performance in the 2025/2026 Women’s Super League season. With just one win from 11 matches, the club found themselves in danger of relegation and decided to part ways with Skinner.
3. What are West Ham’s current standings in the WSL?
As of now, West Ham sit second from bottom in the Women’s Super League, only two points ahead of relegation-threatened Liverpool.
4. What will be Guarino’s first match as West Ham manager?
Rita Guarino’s first match in charge of West Ham will be an away game against Chelsea on January 11, 2026.
5. How long is Guarino’s contract with West Ham?
It is believed that Rita Guarino will sign a contract until 2027, allowing her to establish a long-term plan for the team.