Atalanta replace Gregucci with Conte

Former Juventus midfielder Antonio Conte is the new coach of Serie A basement boys Atalanta after the Bergamese club sacked Angelo Gregucci on Monday after just four matches.

Atalanta have had a disastrous start to the season, losing their first four games including a 4-1 defeat at newly-promoted Bari on Sunday.

Ironically, Conte was the coach who guided Bari to the Serie B title last season only to part company with the club in the summer three weeks after signing a contract extension.

“The club thanks Mr Angelo Gregucci and his staff for the work they have done until now and wishes them the best professional success in the future,” said a club statement.

Atalanta are the only team in the league yet to pick up a point.

Gregucci was only appointed at the beginning of the season after Luigi Del Neri left to join Sampdoria and his second spell in Serie A has turned out even shorter than his first.

He was named Lecce coach in 2005 but lasted only five games then as his team began the season with four defeats and a draw.

Conte won the Champions League and fve Serie A titles as a player with Juventus from 1991 to 2004.

He played 20 times for Italy, scoring twice, and was part of the squads that lost in the finals of 1994 World Cup and 2000 European Championships.