Serie A: Napoli Appoint Gennaro Gattuso As New Head Coach Following the Sacking of Carlo Ancelotti

Napoli have appointed AC Milan legend Gennaro Gattuso as their new manager following the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti. The former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager was shown the door by Napoli hierarchy after a 4-0 Champions League win over Genk on Tuesday which confirmed their place in the knockout stages of the competition. Despite playing well in Europe the club from Naples have struggled in their domestic league winning just once in their last nine games and are seventh in the league table 17 points behind leaders Inter Milan. Napoli’s poor domestic form and the rising tensions in the dressing room resulted in the former PSG boss getting the sack. Carlo Ancelotti Sacked Despite Guiding Napoli to Champions League 2019-20 Knockout Stages.

His replacement Gattuso was announced hours after Ancelotti’s sacking and will be leading the Napoli side for the remainder of the season. Gattuso has a tough task in front of him to change his team’s domestic form but the former Milan legend believes that his side has enough quality to get back to winning ways. 'I couldn’t have wished for a better team to coach because the players I have at my disposal fit perfectly with my tactical approach.' Gattuso said. The Italian world-cup winner also talked about the club’s position in the league and says he is confident to get them back at the top. 'It’s certainly a bit embarrassing to see this team in seventh, but I believe the side can get back up there.' The Italian added.

Gattuso and Carlo Ancelotti have a good relationship as the midfielder played under Ancelotti during his time at Milan and won various trophies under his management as well. 'Carlo once again showed that he is a father to me today. He’s always helped me in difficult moments and today I had the umpteenth demonstration of what a great man he is. He also gave me some advice on how to help the team.' The Milan legend said while praising his former boss. Gattuso was also quick to shut down any comparisons between him and Ancelotti by saying that the latter has won it all and he is just a young manager.

Napoli's Announcement

Genaro Gattuso's first match in charge of Napoli will be a difficult task as they host Parma on Saturday. The Crusaders are in good form as they defeated Sampdoria in their last Sere A match and will be looking to spoil Gatusso’s first-ever home game as a Napoli manager.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 12, 2019 10:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).