Milan, Nov. 27 (IANS): AC Milan have sacked chief coach Vincenzo Montella and promoted youth team coach and club great Gennaro Gattuso to the first team, the seven-time European football champions announced on Monday.
“AC Milan announce to have parted ways with coach Vincenzo Montella. We are very grateful to Montella and his staff for all the work done up to today, their commitment and professionalism,” AC Milan said in a statement.
“Management of the first team is entrusted to Gennaro Gattuso, who leaves his position as Primavera coach and to whom AC Milan wish the best of luck.”
Montella, who was appointed Milan coach in the summer of 2016 , leaves the side in the seventh position in the Serie A, with 20 points -- 18 behind leaders Napoli. They have posted only two wins in their past nine Serie A games.
Gattuso, a former AC Milan midfielder between 1999 and 2013, will be in charge of the team. He won Serie A and UEFA Champions League twice each with Milan. The 39-year-old played in 73 matches for Italy and also won the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
AC Milan, who have won the Italian title 18 times and are seven-time European champions, have not finished in the top three in Serie A since 2013.
Milan had signed 11 new players during the summer, spending around $270 million.
