Conti replaces Del Neri as Roma coach
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-03-15 11:02

AS Roma coach Luigi Del Neri has left the club by "mutual consent" and been replaced by 1982 World Cup winner Bruno Conti, the Serie A club said in statements on Monday.

Former Chievo coach Del Neri becomes the fourth coach to leave Roma during a 10-month spell which began with Fabio Capello's exit for Juventus.

AS Roma coach Luigi Del Neri, seen here in 2004, has resigned and been replaced by 1982 World Cup hero Bruno Conti. [AFP]

Del Neri's departure follows the 3-0 loss to Cagliari on Sunday which left Roma down in seventh place, nine points from a Champions League qualification spot.

Former Roma player Conti moves up from his position as head of the club's youth teams.

"I want to thank Del Neri for his work. His contract was annulled by mutual consent. I am particularly pleased that Bruno Conti has accepted our offer," said Roma chief executive Rosella Sensi.

Roma said Conti, who was part of Nils Liedholm's 1983 title-winning side, was in charge of the first team "for the current season".

"I am absolutely delighted and very excited," said Conti.

Conti, who played with Roma from 1973 to 1990, will be a popular choice among the club's supporters and has helped develop several of the current team including midfielder Daniele De Rossi.

Conti does not possess a coaching licence but said he believes that is a formality which will be overcome as World Cup winners are exempted from taking coaching exams.

MISERABLE SEASON

Del Neri's exit continues a miserable season for the club and the coach.

Capello walked out on Roma in May to take over at bitter rivals Juventus but his replacement Cesare Prandelli stood down before the start of the campaign for family reasons.

Former Germany coach Rudi Voeller then took over at the Olympic stadium but quit after just four league games.

Del Neri was widely tipped for a top job in Italy after taking Chievo Verona from Serie B to the upper-ranks of the Italian game.

He left the Verona club at the end of last season to take over from Jose Mourinho at European champions Porto but he was dismissed before the new season had even begun.

Despite taking over at Roma in late September, he was unable to stop their early exit from the Champions League.

Close

Figure Skating Championship: Day One Streaking Rockets topple Kings 111-96 Lleyton Hewitt advances in Pacific Life

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
National People's Congress enacts historic law for peace         Anti-Secession Law adopted by NPC (full text)         Olympic torch expected to run through Taiwan         Wen addresses press conference (full text)         German gets compensated for fake paintings         Tighter rein on law enforcement demanded	Man United face Newcastle in FA semis       Pierce, McGrady named NBA Players of the Week       Beckham tips AC Milan or Chelsea for Euro glory       Marshall matches NBA record with 12 three-pointers       Davenport, Sharapova win third-rounders at Pac Life       UEFA referee chief hints at strike over Frisk