Official: Lecce sack coach D’Aversa after headbutt

EMPOLI, ITALY - DECEMBER 11: Head coach Roberto D'Aversa manager of US Lecce looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Empoli FC and US Lecce at Stadio Carlo Castellani on December 11, 2023 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Lecce have sacked Roberto D’Aversa after the coach tried to headbutt Hellas Verona striker Thomas Henry on Sunday.

The Salerntini confirmed D’Aversa’s sacking with a statement on their official website on Monday morning.

“After the incidents happened at the end of Lecce-Verona, Lecce announce to have relieved coach Roberto D’Aversa of his duties. We thank the coach and his staff for their work.”

Tension escalated after the final whistle at the Stadio Via Del Mare on Sunday, when Verona had just beaten the hosts. The visitors’ striker Henry had argued with Lecce defender Marin Pongracic in the final minutes and confronted D’Aversa after the final whistle.

The Italian tactician hit the French forward, trying to headbutt him, and both received a straight red card.

Lecce ‘condemned’ their coach’s behaviour after the match, while D’Aversa said the Hellas Verona striker had ‘provoked’ him.

Many Italian sources felt D’Aversa’s sacking was inevitable and Lecce confirmed their decision on Monday morning. The Italian tactician is expected to receive a lengthy ban, while the Giallorossi have won just once in the last 12 matches.

Leonardo Semplici is among the candidates to take over at the Stadio Via Del Mare for the last ten games of the campaign.