Thursday 19 January, 2006
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Luigi Cagni is the new Empoli boss after Mario Somma was axed by the struggling Serie A side this evening.
Despite a vote of confidence from club President Fabrizio Corsi on Monday, last night’s 1-1 draw at home to Udinese proved to be the final straw for Somma, whose side haven’t won in nine Serie A matches.
"We do not think that Somma deserves the sack," said Corsi just three days ago.
"At the moment, rather than a new Coach, we need a doctor to remove all the fear and worry from the players’ heads that prevents them from playing the way they know they can."
However, Corsi has since had a re-think and, as reported by Football Italia this afternoon, has shown Somma the door – a decision which has saddened the tactician.
"Sometimes performances count for little," the 42-year-old tactician conceded. "Relationships are fundamental in this game.
"I met Corsi and he told me that he was not in agreement with my management, while I wanted to continue on my path. Seeing as we disagreed, we tranquilly went our separate ways.
"If the season ended today then we would be safe. The President sees it differently though. It is his club and so he decides.
"It’s sad to leave in the middle of the season, yet I have no regrets. I still have the memories of last year’s great championship."
Cagni (pictured) pipped Giuseppe Papadopulo to the post as Somma’s successor, with the former Verona and Piacenza boss accepting an 18-month contract. |