Football
Associated Press 6y

Former Torino, Fiorentina and Atalanta boss Emiliano Mondonico dies aged 71

Emiliano Mondonico, the former Torino coach famous for raising a chair over his head in protest during his team's loss to Ajax in the 1992 UEFA Cup final, has died at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer.

Clara Mondonico announced the death of her father on Facebook, writing: "Goodbye Dad ... you were our example and our strength ... now we will try to continue as you have taught us ... forever yours."

Mondonico was also known for getting himself sent off on purpose while playing for Cremonese in 1967 in order to be free to attend a Rolling Stones concert the following weekend.

He also played for Torino, Monza and Atalanta and coached, among others, Atalanta and Fiorentina. He started and ended his playing career at Cremonese, where he also began his life in coaching.

His biggest success as coach was winning the 1993 Italian Cup with Torino, beating Roma in the final.

After coaching the youth team at Cremonese, Mondonico was promoted to the senior team in 1982 and, two years later, led the club back into Serie A after a 54-year absence.

He also took Torino, Fiorentina and Atalanta (twice) back to the top division.

During his first spell at Atalanta, Mondonico led the then-second division team to the semifinals of the 1988 Cup Winners' Cup.

Mondonico also coached Como, Napoli, Cosenza and AlbinoLeffe. His last job as a coach was at Novara, but he was sacked in March 2012 after six matches in charge, including a notable victory at Inter Milan.

Mondonico's funeral will take place in Rivolta d'Adda, near Milan, on Saturday.

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