Andrea Pisanu’s first coaching job will be in Maltese football after the former Parma stalwart reached an agreement to succeed Neil Zarb Cousin as coach of Division One club Melita.
With Zarb Cousin stepping down from his post after the final game of the season that secured Melita's status in Division One, the Amateurs decided to hand the job to Pisanu after being impressed with the Italian’s knowledge, his vast experience and profile as a player, and his enthusiasm to start coaching at senior level.
Pisanu, who had set his sights on a move into coaching since calling time on his playing career at the end of season 2014-15 following a one-year spell with Sliema Wanderers, is thrilled by the prospect of coaching Melita.
“This represents the start of a new chapter in my life,” Pisanu, who was regarded as one of the most exciting playmakers in the Serie A during his time with Parma before a string of injuries took their toll, told Times of Malta.
“I’m very happy and enthusiastic. I just can’t wait to start. I’m grateful to Melita for giving me this fantastic opportunity.
“I couldn’t have hoped for a better environment to begin my senior coaching career as Melita are a serious club that relies on homegrown players.”
After hanging up his boots, Pisanu took a year off in order to further his coaching education. The 34-year-old has visited a number of Italian clubs to observe their training sessions and, last month, he enjoyed a hands-on coaching experience under the guidance of former Italy defender Alessandro Nesta who is in charge of American club Miami FC.
“I’m willing to share the things I’ve experienced and learnt during my playing career with young players,” Pisanu said.
“I want to give something back to football because the game has given me a lot to me.
“The Melita players have a lot of passion for the game, they’re not in it for the money, and that’s very important because if you are not passionate about what you do, you will not give your 100 per cent.”
Melita, who have preserved their amateur values throughout the years, had a disappointing campaign, finishing only one point above the relegation zone.
“It’s too early to talk about specific targets,” Pisanu said. “Melita’s top priority is to consolidate their Division One status and give their young players the opportunity to grow and fulfil their potential.
“We will obviously try to do better than the season before because in life you should always aim higher.”
Meanwhile, Premier League club Floriana have yet to decide whether to confirm Luis Oliveira or hand the reins of the team to a new coach.
Under Oliveira, Floriana finished fifth in the Premier League but again failed to qualify for Europe.
There have been rumours that Floriana may take Giovanni Tedesco back on board as the latter had a successful spell with the club before moving to Birkirkara last summer only to get the sack in December.
It is believed that club president Riccardo Gaucci is considering a number of candidates for the job, including Oliveira who has expressed his desire to stay.
Maurizio Pellegrino, who was part of the coaching staff at Catania last season, is also in the frame.
Ravanelli talks
Another foreign coach who had shown an interest in working in the Maltese Premier League is former Juventus striker Fabrizio Ravanelli.
After spending two days in Malta a few weeks ago as guest of the Juventus Club Cuore Bianconero, Ravanelli made another fleeting visit to the island last week for talks with three Premier League clubs. However, the 47-year-old is expected to discard the Maltese option after receiving other offers in Italy and abroad.
Gżira United, promoted to the top flight as Division One champions, were one of the clubs approached by Ravanelli’s representatives.