Napoli owner confirms coach Gennaro Gattuso to leave the club
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Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso will leave the club following their fifth-place Serie A finish, owner Aurelio De Laurentiis said on Sunday.
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Gattuso’s side dropped out of the Champions League places on the final day of the season hen they could only muster a 1-1 draw at home to mid-table Hellas Verona.
“Dear Rino, I am happy to have spent almost two seasons with you. Thank you for your work and I wish you success wherever you go. A hug also to your wife and children,” De Laurentiis wrote on Twitter after the game.
Gennaro Gattuso will leave his post as Napoli manager. Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images
The announcement confirmed long-running media speculation that the former AC Milan manager would depart Naples when his contract expires in June.
It was followed by a tweet from the official club account that simply said: “Thank you, boss!” alongside a picture of Gattuso.
Gattuso succeeded Carlo Ancelotti as Napoli coach in December 2019 and led them to Coppa Italia glory in June 2020.
Although his departure was widely expected, Gattuso has not fielded any questions on the matter recently as the club have imposed a media blackout since February.