There is chaos at Palermo, as general manager Pietro Lo Monaco explains why he resigned and fans attacked President Maurizio Zamparini’s car as new Coach Alberto Malesani took over.
There is chaos at Palermo, as general manager Pietro Lo Monaco explains why he resigned and fans attacked President Maurizio Zamparini’s car as new Coach Alberto Malesani took over.
The club had already undergone a revolution back in September when Coach Giuseppe Sannino was fired and director Giorgio Perinetti followed.
Over the last 24 hours, Gian Piero Gasperini has been axed and general manager Lo Monaco quit, having both come in just four months ago, as Perinetti returned.
The tension is boiling over in Sicily and there are reports angry fans hurled insults and kicked the car of President Zamparini as it arrived for Malesani’s presentation.
“I did all I could in my Rosanero adventure, the only regret being I couldn’t do it to the end,” Lo Monaco told Calciomercato.it.
“President Zamparini’s desire to do everything himself was decisive, meaning it was impossible for me to remain in Sicily. I must still thank him for giving me the chance to work in a city that deserves to battle for something other than safety.
“In my view, this squad has all it takes to survive in Serie A. This season they have played on the whole well, but were let down by results.
“There was no discussion between the President and myself, so he autonomously decided to sack Gasperini on Sunday night.”
Lo Monaco was pushed to resign despite being the most active in Italy during the January transfer window, bringing in a host of new players.
“There were no problems with the President with regards to transfers.”
When he first took the job, Lo Monaco and President Zamparini stated he would buy up 10 per cent shares in Palermo to ensure he was part of the project long-term.
“Nothing was ever written down, so we let the whole matter slide.”