Verona Striker Clash Costs Roberto D’Aversa Job as Lecce Manager in Serie A
Lecce has officially ended its association with manager Roberto D’Aversa following an unfortunate incident that unfolded after their Serie A match against Verona on Sunday, resulting in a 1-0 defeat. The aftermath of the game saw D’Aversa, 48, and Verona striker Thomas Henry both handed red cards as a result of an altercation that transpired at the conclusion of the match, marked by heightened emotions.
In the wake of the incident, D’Aversa openly acknowledged the gravity of his actions, deeming them “inexcusable” in his post-match remarks at Stadio Via del Mare. In a prompt response, the club officially announced on Monday that D’Aversa had been “relieved of his duties.” The termination of his contract was directly attributed to the “events that occurred at the end of the Lecce-Verona match.”
Lecce’s defeat on Sunday had further implications as the team slipped to the 15th position in Serie A, now residing just two places above Verona and holding a precarious one-point lead over the relegation zone. The club’s recent form has been far from ideal, with only one victory in their last 12 league fixtures, suffering nine losses during this challenging stretch.
D’Aversa’s managerial stint at Lecce commenced last summer when he took over the reins from Marco Baroni. However, the recent downturn in results, coupled with the controversial incident involving D’Aversa and Henry, prompted the club’s decision to terminate his contract.
Prior to his tenure at Lecce, D’Aversa had managerial experience with Virtus Lanciano, Parma, and Sampdoria. His departure from Lecce signifies a significant turn of events, and the club will now seek a fresh direction as they navigate the challenges ahead in Serie A. The incident has not only impacted the team’s league standing but has also prompted a swift change in leadership as Lecce aims to regain stability and focus on avoiding relegation in the remainder of the season.
