Guarino appointed West Ham boss after Skinner sacking

West Ham have announced that Rita Guarino will be their new head coach.

The Women’s Super League side sacked Rehanne Skinner last week after winning just one of their opening 11 league games this season, leaving them second from bottom.

This will be Guarino’s first coaching role outside of Italy, with the 54-year-old previously taking charge of Inter, Juventus and Italy’s Under-17s.

Guarino led Juventus to four consecutive Serie A titles, winning 90.2% of her league matches and averaging 2.76 points per game during her time at the club.

Her overall win percentage in the Italian top-flight is 68.6% after a mixed spell with Inter, where she won 33 of her 74 games at the helm (D12 L29).

“I’m so happy to be joining West Ham United,” Guarino told West Ham TV.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Rita Guarino as the Club’s new women’s Head Coach

— West Ham United Women (@westhamwomen) December 22, 2025

“It is a club with a big history and strong values that align with my own.

“I’ve spoken with the board and I’m really excited by the project here. There is a lot of talent and experience in the team, and I want to support the girls to develop as individuals but also as a collective.

“I want to build a team that is organised, aggressive with the ball and that tries to recognise and use space. The mentality of the team – the togetherness and hard work – is the most important thing.

“I’m proud to be here and I’m looking forward to the chapter ahead in the best league in the world.”

Guarino’s first match in charge will be a baptism of fire as West Ham travel to face WSL holders Chelsea on January 11.

She will have to wait until February 1 for her first home match, when they take on London rivals Tottenham at Chigwell Construction Stadium.