Former Italian midfielder Simone Barone is set to become the latest signing in the Indian Super League. A pivotal part of the Italian team which hoisted the World Cup in 2006, under the guidance of Marcelo Lippi is set to become second in command to Gianluca Zambrotta, at the Delhi Dynamos.
Zambrotta has long been linked with the empty spot at the Dynamos helm ever since the North Indian side parted ways with their former coach and Brazilian legend, Roberto Carlos. However, according to sources close to the ISL outfit, an agreement has been reached and only the paperwork stands in the way of announcing him as the coach of the Dynamos.
The Delhi Dynamos job will not be Zambrotta’s first stint as manager of a club. The former Barcelona and AC Milan star had earlier been in charge of Swiss side Chiasso between 2013 and 2015.
Simone Barone meanwhile, will serve as the Zambrotta’s right hand in the Dynamos’ set up for the upcoming season. Barone enjoyed a long playing career spread over 15 years at eight different Serie A clubs. This will, however, be his first ever venture into management since hanging up his boots in 2012.
Speaking to the media regarding his upcoming task, Barone said; “This is a new and exciting adventure. This is also a chance to gather much experience. And I hope to make the best of it.”
“We will be in India for a period of four months and will be back only for Christmas,” Barone added.
Also read: Indian Super League: Delhi Dynamos F.C. sign Mohun Bagan duo Souvik Chakraborty and Kean Lewis
The Italian also seems to have done his primary homework on the state of the team. “They seemed to have a good team last time around. They reached the semis. But it was eventually Matteo Materazzi's team of Chennayin FC who won it. We hope to move the team further.”
The team from Delhi will look for a big boost with the arrivals of the two Italians. The North Indian side has already roped in promising Indian youngsters in Souvik Chakraborty and Kean Lewis whilst also starting off an academy to build a solid foundation. However, they are yet to finalize on any marquee foreign signings with sources pointing to John Arne Riise returning to Delhi for a second stint in the Delhi Dynamos.
