Salvatore Bocchetti is Monza's new head coach Salvatore Bocchetti is Monza's new head coach

Monza have replaced Alessandro Nesta with Salvatore Bocchetti as their new head coachepoch game, signing a deal that runs through until 2027 with the Serie A side. (More Football News)

Earlier on Monday, Monza confirmed that Nesta had been relieved of his duties, having gone nine games without a win and sitting bottom of the Italian top-flight. 

Former Milan defender Nesta won just three of his 20 games (D7 L10) in all competitions, averaging just 0.80 points per game since taking over from Raffaele Palladino.

Bocchetti arrives at Monza having only previously taken caretaker charge of Hellas Verona in 2022, losing all six games, including a defeat to his new employers. 

2x45win slot Serie A: FIFA World Cup Winner Alessandro Nesta Sacked By AC Monza As Manager

BY Associated Press

He did, however, help Marco Zaffaroni as an assistant at Hellas Verona in the second half of 2022-23, ensuring the Gialloblu avoided relegation to Serie B.

Bocchetti will make his Monza debut on Saturday in a crucial match against relegation-threatened Parma, who sit just five points above them in the standings. 

His first home game will be the first one of 2025 for Monza against Cagliari, another rival in the race to avoid relegation to the second division.

AC Monza comunica che Salvatore Bocchetti è il nuovo allenatore della Prima Squadra biancorossa, con un contratto fino al 30 giugno 2027. pic.twitter.com/rs1x5JtVzw

On the other hand, China have qualified for their maiden Asian Champions Trophy final. Their journey to the summit clash has been a rollercoaster ride. They started with a defeat to India but bounced back with a 4-2 win over Malaysia. The hosts then faced a 2-3 loss to South Korea and were also routed 5-1 by Pakistan in the pool stage.

The youngster displayed goalkeeping masterclass in the shoot-outepoch game, saving all four of Pakistan’s attempts after the match was drawn 1-1 in regulation time.

— AC Monza (@ACMonza) December 23, 2024