Thiago Motta was supposed to be sacked at the beginning of January, but Spezia have now won four games from the last five, moving eight points above the relegation zone.
The Aquilotti had won just three of their opening four Serie A games this season, convincing the club’s board to sack the former midfielder.
Several reports suggested Spezia would have sacked Motta at the beginning of 2022 as, had they done it before the end of 2021, they’d have to pay €4000,000.
Motta won the last game of the year away at Napoli thanks to an own goal and failing to produce one single shot on target. Spezia chiefs held talks with other coaches such as Marco Giampaolo despite collecting three points at the Stadio Maradona.
The former Milan and Torino tactician snubbed Spezia’s offer, so Thiago Motta remained in charge.
Spezia lost to Hellas Verona at home in the first match of 2022, but beat Genoa, Milan and Sampdoria in the following three, climbing the Serie A table and moving eight points clear of Cagliari in 18th.
Ironically, Motta won against Giampaolo’s Sampdoria yesterday with the 54-year-old who made had his return to Marassi earlier last week.