Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 8y

Giampiero Ventura appointed to take charge of Italy after Euro 2016

Italy have appointed former Torino boss Giampiero Ventura as head coach following the conclusion of Euro 2016 up until the end of the 2018 World Cup.

Ventura will replace Antonio Conte when he steps down this summer to leave for Chelsea, and will take charge of the Azzurri for the first time in September. when they are due to play a friendly ahead of their first World Cup qualifier against Israel.

The 68-year-old left Torino after five years at the end of the season, having previously worked for a host of Italian clubs, starting off with Ligurian side Albenga in 1980.

His first major achievement was with Lecce between 1995 and 1997, when he led the Apulian club from the third tier into Serie A with consecutive promotions.

Ventura then coached Cagliari in the top flight and was at the helm of Napoli for the 2004-05 season.

He subsequently had spells with Verona, Pisa and Bari -- where he replaced Conte in 2009 -- before moving to Torino in 2011.

He led the Granata to promotion from Serie B and kept them in the top flight for four straight seasons.

The Italian Football Association (FIGC) confirmed Ventura's appointment on Tuesday evening, after president Carlo Tavecchio had informed the board of directors at a board meeting.

Tavecchio said the 68-year-old was chosen for his experience, team management skills and moral values.

"I kept faith with my first idea, which came to fruition a month ago and so I announce that Giampiero Ventura will be the new head coach of the national team after the Euros," Tavecchio said. "He will have a two-year contract which goes up until the World Cup in Russia.

"The criteria which led me to Ventura is that he is a master of football. He also taught his innovative ways to so many coaches, he launched so many players into the national team, he has a limitless experience in the formation of youth sectors and I think he has always had a healthy concept of belonging."

Ventura, who will earn a reported €1.3 million per year, will be officially presented on July 18. He is expected to bring with him several of his key staff from Torino.

^ Back to Top ^