Former Rangers star Gennaro Gattuso has been pipped to the Lyon post by Italian World Cup winning teammate Fabio Grosso.
Reports had linked former Ibrox midfielder “Rino” to the Groupama Stadium following the sacking of French 1998 World Cup legend Laurent Blanc.
With Rangers-linked manager Graham Potter reportedly turning the Ligue 1 job down, ex-Valencia, AC Milan and Napoli manager Gennaro Gattuso looked a solid option.
But as things have transpired Lyon have plunged for ex-Italy left-back Fabio Grosso who had a hugely unexpected and understated impact on the nation’s 2006 World Cup success.
Lyon appoint Fabio Grosso amid Gennaro Gattuso links
Scoring the winning semi-final goal against Germany which got the nation to the Final, the left-back also scored the decisive penalty against France.
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And now Fabio Grosso is set to work in the nation as Lyon poach the Frosinone coach, with the Italian manager earning the club promotion to Serie A last season.
The left-back also spent two seasons at Lyon as a player, winning Ligue 1 and League Cup double with the club in 2007/08.
A Lyon statement reads:
“Olympique Lyonnais is delighted to announce the appointment of Fabio Grosso as the head coach of the professional team, effective from Monday, September 18.
“The former Italian international defender, World Cup champion in 2006, has committed to the club until June 30, 2024, with the option to extend his contract for an additional season.”
Lyon’s move for Fabio Grosso means ex-Rangers star Gennaro Gattuso continues without a club, although we don’t suspect that will be for too much longer.
The Italian firebrand is routinely linked to the top leagues in Europe and as the season progresses we suspect should the manager want to return to top-level management, there will be opportunities.
As for Rangers manager Michael Beale, the Ibrox coach relieved huge pressure on his position by defeating St Johnstone 2-0 at McDiarmid Park this weekend.