Cisalfa Group Appointed Nicola Lazzari as COO
The sports retailer has tapped a new COO to oversee logistics and digital transformation for its 240-store network.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People
Cisalfa Group has appointed Nicola Lazzari as chief operating officer to lead the company's operational and digital strategy. Lazzari will report to general manager Boris Zanoletti as the firm continues its organizational transformation following a €1.1 billion turnover in 2025.
Why it matters
The appointment aims to stabilize and scale operations across the retailer's 240 locations in Italy and Germany. As the company manages 5,300 employees and a large-scale loyalty program, the shift focuses on optimizing logistics flows and demand forecasting to sustain growth.
Cisalfa Group reported a €1.1 billion turnover for 2025, supported by 11% EBITDA and a retail footprint of 240 stores. The business manages 280 brands across its operations, serving 80 million annual visitors with a 5,300-person workforce.
The players
Nicola Lazzari
A seasoned executive with 20 years of professional experience now tasked with overseeing Cisalfa Group's operations and digital innovation.
Boris Zanoletti
The general manager of Cisalfa Group who serves as the direct supervisor to the new chief operating officer.
Cisalfa Group
A family-owned sports retailer operating 240 stores and managing a portfolio of 280 brands across Italy and Germany.
Mancini family
The private owners of the Cisalfa Group retail enterprise.
The details
Lazzari is tasked with driving innovation by digitalizing core processes across the retail business. His operational mandate includes managing complex logistics flows and improving demand planning to better serve the 1 million members currently enrolled in the Cisalfa Pro loyalty program.
Timeline
1977: Cisalfa Group was founded in Tivoli, Rome.
1994: The Mancini brothers acquired Goggi Sport.
2012: Nicola Lazzari moved to 3T Cycling.
2025: The group closed the fiscal year with €1.1 billion in turnover.
October 5, 2026: The appointment of Nicola Lazzari was announced.
Market Landscape
The appointment of Lazzari marks a shift from the company's earlier rapid expansion phase, historically defined by the 1994 acquisition of Goggi Sport by the Mancini brothers. This move reflects a broader trend among major retailers moving toward internal operational digitalization to protect margins.
Retail operators should monitor how Cisalfa's logistics and demand-planning overhaul impacts regional inventory availability. Watch for changes in how the firm leverages its 1-million-member loyalty program to influence future procurement cycles.
The takeaway
Operational efficiency at scale often hinges on the integration of legacy logistics with modern digital forecasting. Owners should evaluate whether their own inventory planning systems are capable of supporting the same complexity as firms managing hundreds of third-party brands.
Further reading
For more on shifts in senior leadership and executive strategy, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FashionNetwork.
