Thursday 2 June 2016 06:59, UK
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has lost his assistant Fabio Pecchia, who has decided to take over as boss at Hellas Verona.
The Italian side finished bottom of Serie A last season and swooped to sign Pecchia, 42, who was Benitez's No 2 at Napoli and Real Madrid before following him to St James' Park.
Newcastle were relegated to the Championship under the pair and will now begin their search for a new assistant.
A club statement read: "Newcastle United have this evening confirmed that first-team coach Fabio Pecchia will be leaving the club to become manager at Italian club Verona.
"Good progress is being made with regard to replacing Pecchia, and a further announcement will be made in the coming days."
Benitez said: "I am sad to see him depart as he has been an excellent professional from the first day and until the last in the years we have worked together.
"Second and most importantly, I am pleased because he has been considered for this new position, he leaves to face these new and exciting challenges, both personally and professionally."
Italian Pecchia has previously managed Serie D side Gubbio and Serie B side Latina in his home country.
He is a former Italy U21 international who played for Napoli, Juventus and Sampdoria before retiring in 2009.
