Italy coach Antonio Conte has been named the country's coach of the year for the third year running, beating Fiorentina's Vincenzo Montella and Roma's Rudi Garcia who finished as runners-up.
Conte wins the award for his work in the 2013-14 season, in which he guided Juventus to a third straight Serie A title before taking over the national team following the World Cup. Coaches in Serie A and Serie B vote on the award, which is known as the Panchina d'Oro or "Golden Bench."
Conte, whose Juve side finished with a record 102 points last season, told the Italian media: "This is the third time I receive this award and I'm thrilled.
"It's deserved considering what we achieved last season, taking 102 points in 38 games. It's all the more significant because this award is given by my peers.
"It's a source of great satisfaction and I want to thank my staff for putting up with me.
"Montella is doing a great job at Fiorentina."
Conte's former club Juventus delivered their congratulations via Twitter after the Lega Serie A confirmed the award with a tweet.
#Conte has won Golden Bench 2013/14, awarded to the best #SerieATIM coach, for the third time in a row @juventusfcen pic.twitter.com/ObFDaAzKXR
- Serie A TIM (@SerieA_TIM) March 9, 2015
Congratulations to Antonio Conte on his third consecutive Panchina d'Oro award.
- JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) March 9, 2015
Montella came in second place while Garcia finished third.
Empoli coach Maurizio Sarri picked up the prize for Serie B after guiding the Tuscan club into the top flight. Sarri is still in charge of an Empoli side currently nine points clear of the relegation zone and known for playing some of the more attractive football in Serie A.