Venezia have appointed Ivan Javorcic as their new coach in an attempt to bounce straight back into Serie A.
The Lagunari were promoted from Serie B last summer in the play-offs, but were relegated at the end of the season in last place.
They have announced that their new coach for the 2022-23 campaign will be Javorcic, who put pen to paper on a three-year contract.
The 43-year-old Croatian took Sudtirol to their first ever promotion into Serie B this season.
That tournament made history, as they conceded only nine goals in 38 matches, the best defensive record in professional European leagues this season.
Javorcic played for Brescia from 1997 to 2000, then started from the Rondinelle in his coaching career with the youth academy.
He was in charge of Mantova in 2015-16, then took Pro Patria to promotion from Serie D to C and joined Sudtirol in June 2021.
“We are very pleased to have Ivan joining us as our next coach,” said Venezia President Duncan Niederauer in a statement.
“He has experience in Italian football and a track record of success. More importantly, Ivan has the leadership qualities we are looking for in a coach. He has a strategic mindset, and he prepares thoroughly for every aspect of the role.
“Ivan has an open mind to new ideas, he expects a lot from his players, and his communication style is completely transparent.
“He is the right man for the job at this moment, and we look forward to partnering with him as we take Venezia FC forward.”
Ivan Javorčić named first team manager.
Javorčić, 43, led Südtirol to their first-ever promotion to Serie B last season, while maintaining the best defensive record of any team in a professional league in Europe.https://t.co/pdfIWkCUmC#ArancioNeroVerde 🟠⚫️🟢 pic.twitter.com/rywqKgrUxk
— Venezia FC (@VeneziaFC_EN) June 9, 2022
Good luck, Venezia. I hope they come back soon to Serie A.