Francesco Farioli holds Celtic manager talks as 'young De Zerbi' left keen after Parkhead chiefs meeting

Celtic have held talks with young Italian boss Francesco Farioli about the prospect of taking over from Ange Postecoglou at Parkhead.

A meeting between club powerbrokers and 34-year-old Farioli - known in Italy as the ‘young De Zerbi’ - took place last week as Celtic chiefs continue their search for the Aussie’s replacement. Farioli’s two most recent managerial posts have been in Turkey with Fatih Karagumruck and Antalyaspor but he cut his teeth in coaching under Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi at Benevento and Sassuolo in his homeland and has the same all-out attacking philosophy as his mentor.

Celtic, who are reported to have held talks with Brendan Rodgers in Mallorca and could make a move for Manchester City No 2 Enzo Maresca, are doing their due diligence on a number of alternatives - and Farioli is very much in their thoughts. The Braga-born coach did not have a big-time playing career but has risen through the coaching ranks after a successful spell in Qatar, which led to De Zebri adding him to his coaching staff. Farioli is keen to make Glasgow his next destination but that could hinge on Rodgers and Maresca rejecting overtures in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Maresca endured a frightening postscript to Champions League success after his father went missing. Pep Guardiola’s assistant coach at Manchester City will speak to Celtic over the vacant manager’s post with the Istanbul showpiece now done and dusted, but Maresca’s chances of immediate celebrations in the aftermath of the 1-0 win over Inter Milan were halted after dad Pasquale disappeared.

During the match an announcement was made in the ground for Pascquale de Caro to make himself known to the nearest steward. The message was also shown on the big screens inside