Genaro Gattuso joins Palermo - but how long will he last?

The former AC Milan midfielder has been appointed by a president notorious for firing managers

Genaro Gattuso (GETTY IMAGES)

The latest managerial appointment in Serie B may not be of much interest away from Italy ordinarily, but what looks like an unholy alliance between eccentric Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini and his hot-blooded new coach Genaro Gattuso seems certain to cause fireworks.

The ex-AC Milan midfielder returns to his homeland after a short spell as player/coach of Sion in Switzerland, and the World Cup winner who was more known for his tenacity and aggression than any technical prowess will face an uphill struggle to make an impression on his new boss.

Zamparini, who has sacked almost thirty managers since he took over at the Sicilian club in 2002, is known as one of the zaniest chairmen in the game, but is confident he has got the right man to take his side back to the top flight at the first attempt.

"I like Gattuso a lot and he will be the next coach of Palermo," he said.

How long he lasts will remain to be seen.