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Former World Cup hero Gennaro Gattuso to coach Palermo

Gennaro Gattuso (right), who served as a player-manager for the Swiss club Sion, now returns to Italy.

Gennaro Gattuso (right), who served as a player-manager for the Swiss club Sion, now returns to Italy.

ROME (AP) ? Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has announced he will hire former World Cup winner Gennaro Gattuso as the Serie B club's coach.

Zamparini tells Italian state radio that "I like Gattuso a lot. He will be the next coach of Palermo as soon as I conclude my battle of wills with (current Palermo manager Giuseppe) Sannino.''

The 35-year-old Gattuso, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy, was promoted to player-coach of Swiss club Sion in February but lasted just 13 matches in charge.

Gattuso has one year remaining on his playing contract. He joined Sion a year ago after 13 seasons with AC Milan.

Palermo was just relegated.

Zamparini has made some 35 firings and had 43 different managers in a quarter of a century, first at Venezia then at Palermo.

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