Desperate Empoli turn back to Cagni
Monday, March 31, 2008
Article summary
Empoli FC have sacked coach Alberto Malesani and have reappointed Luigi Cagni after Sunday's 2-0 home defeat by UC Samdporia left the club bottom of Serie A.
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Empoli FC have sacked coach Alberto Malesani and have reappointed Luigi Cagni after Sunday's 2-0 home defeat by UC Samdporia left the club bottom of Serie A with one point from the last seven games.
Trading places
Cagni, 57, returns to the helm three months after he was replaced by Malesani. Empoli had been struggling to reproduce their form of the 2006/07 season when, under Cagni's leadership, they finished seventh to qualify for Europe. However, their UEFA Cup campaign was curtailed by FC Zürich in the first round and Cagni soon made way for Malesani, 53.
Forward thinking
With today's decision, Cagni was delighted to accept a job that he first took in January 2006. "I don't care about the past. I want to focus on the present and the future of this team. Even though it is a big challenge, I will try to save Empoli from relegation. We have a chance and hard work does not scare me." Empoli, three points from safety, go to Torino FC on Sunday.
