Mirko Vučinić Appointed Head Coach of Montenegro National Football Team

Former Star Takes the Helm

Mirko Vučinić, the former forward for Italian giants Roma and Juventus, has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the Montenegro national football team. The announcement was made on September 19, 2025, marking a significant step in the 41-year-old's career as he takes on his first senior management position.

Vučinić succeeds Robert Prosinečki, who was dismissed from the role due to a series of unfavorable results during the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Montenegrin Football Association has entrusted Vučinić with the task of revitalizing the team's performance, with his initial contract extending until the end of the year.

A Distinguished Playing Career

Vučinić enjoyed a celebrated playing career, primarily in Italy's Serie A. He played for:

• Lecce
• AS Roma, where he won two Coppa Italia titles
• Juventus, securing three consecutive Serie A titles

As an international player, Vučinić was a prominent figure for Montenegro, scoring 17 goals in 46 appearances for his national team. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the first captain of the independent Montenegrin national team and scored the country's first-ever goal.

Coaching Journey and Immediate Challenges

Prior to this appointment, Vučinić had been building his coaching experience. He served as an assistant coach for the Montenegrin national team from 2022 to 2023 and has obtained a UEFA A license. His transition to head coach comes at a critical juncture for the team.

Montenegro is currently five matches into their World Cup qualifying campaign, sitting fourth in their group of five with six points. Their victories in the campaign so far have come against Gibraltar and the Faroe Islands. Vučinić's immediate responsibilities will include leading the team in upcoming qualifying matches against the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Croatia, and Liechtenstein.