Corinthians Appoint Fernando Diniz as New Coach After Sacking Dorival

Diniz takes helm at Corinthians amid struggling streak

Corinthians appoint Fernando Diniz as new coach after eight-match winless streak; team in relegation zone. Diniz, known for attacking style, to turn around season in Serie A and Copa Libertadores.

Diniz, ex-Brazil interim coach, takes charge of Corinthians, facing Copa Libertadores clash...

Corinthians have appointed Fernando Diniz as their new head coach, replacing Dorival Junior who was sacked after an eight-match winless streak. Diniz, a former Brazil interim coach, takes over a team that's struggling, currently 16th in Brazil's Serie A, just two points above the relegation zone.

Diniz, who briefly played for Corinthians, has a notable coaching pedigree, having led Fluminense to the Copa Libertadores title in 2023 and winning the Recopa Sudamericana the following year. He's set to face Argentine side Platense in the Copa Libertadores on Thursday.

Fernando Diniz, a former midfielder who briefly played for Corinthians, led Fluminense to the Copa Libertadores title in 2023 and won the Recopa Sudamericana the following year. His impressive coaching career also includes a six-month stint as Brazil's interim coach, which ended in January 2024 after a 1-0 loss to Argentina at home, marking Brazil's first home defeat in a World Cup qualifying match.

FERNANDO DINIZ É O NOVO TREINADOR DO CORINGÃO! ⚫️⚪️

Diniz chega ao Timão para assumir o clube, com contrato válido até o fim da temporada. 🖤🤍

Confira a nota 👉🏻 https://t.co/Mb1V0QZL9h#BemVindoFernandoDiniz#IssoÉCorinthianismo#VaiCorinthians pic.twitter.com/FQmiZ4YcvQ

— Corinthians (@Corinthians) April 7, 2026

Diniz's coaching style is unique, prioritizing ball control and an attacking approach, earning him comparisons to Pep Guardiola's tiki-taka. He's known for forming teams that dominate possession and create scoring opportunities.

Corinthians are set to face Argentine side Platense in the Copa Libertadores on Thursday, April 10, 2026, at 1:00 AM WAT, at Estadio Ciudad de Vicente Lopez in Florida, Argentina. This match marks the opening game for Corinthians in Group E, alongside Peñarol, Independiente Santa Fe, and Platense.

According to predictions, Corinthians have a slight edge, with a 38.67% chance of winning, while Platense has a 30.37% chance. The draw probability stands at 30.99%.