Nothing seems to stand in the way of Francesco Farioli coming to Ajax. Various media reported on Wednesday afternoon that the Italian is on his way to Amsterdam and may sign a three-year contract on Thursday.

For a while it seemed that Ajax would be trumped in the battle for Farioli. It was reported from England that the 35-year-old coach was high on the list at Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion, where Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi are leaving respectively.

However, Ajax has managed to convince Farioli. The people of Amsterdam pay according to The Telegraph 1.25 million euros to lure him away from OGC Nice. The Italian was stuck in the south of France until next summer.

It is the first time in 27 years that a foreign coach has taken the helm at Ajax. The last foreigner was Morten Olsen in 1997. Subsequently, 21 Dutchmen had final responsibility in the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

If all the scribbles have been completed, Farioli will become the second Italian trainer to be active in the Eredivisie. Massimo Morales preceded him. The latter was interim coach at De Graafschap for four games in 1999.

Technical director Alex Kroes, football director Marijn Beuker and head of scouting Kelvin de Lang have their backs in their choice for Fariolo.

The trio has received approval from technical commissioner Danny Blind and Louis van Gaal, who advises the Supervisory Board. Farioli largely brings his own staff with him.

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