September 1 – While David Beckham continues to attempt to finalise a deal to set up his new MLS team in Miami, the city’s other professional side Miami FC, due to join the second-tier NASL, has appointed former Italian international Alessandro Nesta, who made 78 appearances for his country, as its head coach.
Nesta was a member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning team and after starring with Lazio and AC Milan left Italy in 2012 to join the Montreal Impact of the MLS until he retired the following year.
According to the Miami Herald, he has owned a property in the city for 10 years and has now made it his family’s permanent home.
“We are incredibly thrilled to bring Alessandro on board with Miami FC,” said Paolo Maldini, Miami FC co-owner, who played alongside Nesta for his country. “As a former teammate and personal friend of Alessandro, I have a great amount of respect for his talent and believe he will bring out the best in our players.”
Nesta, 39, will be making his coaching debut in what will be Miami FC’s inaugural season having been founded in May and says he will looking for “the best 25 players I can get,” mainly from South America, the Caribbean and the United States.
“The biggest challenge going from player to coach is that now I’ll be in charge of everything, not just 90 minutes of playing,” the three-time Serie A winner was quoted as saying.
It has not been announced where the team will play, but sources told the Miami Herald that Florida International University will likely host most matches.
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