Atalanta appoint Conte after sacking Gregucci

Atalanta have appointed former Bari boss Antonio Conte as coach after sacking Angelo Gregucci, Serie A's bottom club said yesterday.

Conte will take charge for tomorrow's home game against Catania with Atalanta having lost their first four matches.

"Atalanta announce the appointment of Antonio Conte," the club said in a statement on their website (www.atalanta.it).

Former Juventus captain Conte led Bari to promotion from Serie B last term but left the southern club before the start of this season after a disagreement over transfer targets.

Unheralded former Lecce and Vicenza boss Gregucci had been a surprise choice to replace Luigi Del Neri in June but the gamble did not pay off for the usually mid-table Bergamo-based club.

Atalanta, who sold top striker Sergio Floccari to Genoa and failed to significantly invest in the close season, lost 4-1 at Bari on Sunday when Gregucci was banned from the bench.