São Paulo, Brazil – The Sport Club Corinthians Paulista announced a significant change within its celebrated women’s football team this Saturday, confirming the dismissal of head coach Lucas Piccinato. The decision came swiftly after a recent draw against Fluminense at the Neo Química Arena, during the second round of the Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol Feminino, signaling an unexpected turn for the club known for its dominance in women’s football.
Piccinato’s departure, alongside key members of his technical staff, marks the end of a brief but impactful tenure. The club also confirmed that assistant Brenno Basso, goalkeeping coach Francisco Rodrigues, and fitness coach Luiz Guilherme Gonçalves have all left their positions. This collective shake-up suggests a broader reevaluation of the team’s direction following a start to the 2025 season that fell below the high expectations set for the multi-titled “Brabas.”
The strategic move underscores Corinthians’ commitment to maintaining its top-tier status and addressing any perceived dips in performance immediately. Despite the team’s storied success, the recent results necessitated a swift response from the club’s management to safeguard its competitive edge in national and international competitions.
Piccinato’s brief but impactful tenure
Lucas Piccinato took the helm of the Corinthians women’s team at the beginning of 2024, stepping into large shoes left by Arthur Elias, who transitioned to coach the Brazilian Women’s National Team. His appointment was met with high hopes, given the club’s consistent success and the need to maintain momentum under new leadership.
During his time leading the “Brabas,” Piccinato compiled an impressive record in a short period. He oversaw 101 matches, securing 71 victories, 20 draws, and only 10 losses, translating into a remarkable 77% win rate. This statistical performance highlights the consistent competitive level maintained by the team under his guidance.
A legacy of championships
Under Piccinato’s leadership, Corinthians continued its tradition of lifting significant silverware. His coaching tenure added five major titles to the club’s illustrious trophy cabinet, showcasing his ability to deliver immediate results at the highest level.
These achievements included:
- Two Brazilian National Championships (Brasileirão Feminino)
- Two Copa Libertadores Femenina titles
- One Supercopa Feminina
Such a collection of titles in a relatively short span cements his place as a successful figure in the club’s recent history, particularly given the fierce competition in women’s football both domestically and across South America.
Unforeseen setbacks in early 2025
Despite the substantial trophy haul and strong overall record, the start of the 2025 season presented unexpected challenges that ultimately sealed Piccinato’s fate. The team, known for its unwavering success, encountered uncharacteristic frustrations in key competitions, failing to secure titles that were within reach.
The Corinthians squad reached the final of the Copa das Campeãs, an important international club competition, but ultimately fell short against English powerhouse Arsenal, finishing as vice-champions. This defeat marked a rare stumble on the international stage, setting an early tone for the season’s difficulties.
Domestic disappointments compound pressure
Further adding to the pressure was the team’s performance in the Supercopa Feminina. In a highly anticipated clash against fierce rivals Palmeiras, Corinthians suffered another disheartening defeat, losing the final on penalties. This second consecutive vice-championship in a prominent competition raised questions about the team’s ability to close out crucial matches under the new leadership.
These early 2025 setbacks, while not erasing the coach’s previous achievements, evidently fell short of the club’s lofty expectations and the standard of excellence consistently delivered by the “Brabas.” The recent draw against Fluminense, coming after these title misses, appears to have been the final catalyst for the management’s decision to implement changes.
The road ahead for the Brabas
With Piccinato’s departure, Corinthians faces the task of finding a new leader capable of guiding the team back to its dominant form. The search for a successor will be critical, as the club aims to stabilize its performance and reclaim its position at the pinnacle of Brazilian and South American women’s football. The incoming coach will inherit a squad rich in talent and a demanding fan base eager for more championships.
The club has not yet announced a replacement, leaving speculation open regarding who will take over the reins of one of the most successful women’s football teams in the world. The focus will now shift to strategic planning to ensure the team can quickly overcome this period of transition and continue its pursuit of excellence in all competitions for the remainder of 2025.
