OFFICIAL: Ex-Napoli coach Gianni Di Marzio has died

Gianluca Di Marzio has announced the death of his father, former Napoli coach Gianni Di Marzio.

Di Marzio famously ‘discovered’ a young Diego Maradona in Argentina and highlighted him to president Corrado Ferlaino, but a deal wasn’t initially carried out. He later had a good relationship with the Argentinian star during his time in the Campania capital.

His greatest career success came during his time with Catanzaro, when he guided them to Serie A for only the second time in their history. He guided Napoli to the Coppa Italia final during his two years in charge, as well as a fifth place finish in the league.

Di Marzio won the Seminatore d’oro award twice, given to the best coach of the season in each division. The first of these was won following the 1971/72 season, during his time in charge of Nocerina in Serie C, and the second came following the 1975/76 campaign with Catanzaro in Serie B.

Napoli paid tribute to Di Marzio in a post on their Twitter page, which reads: “President De Laurentiis and the entire SSC Napoli team join the Di Marzio family in mourning the passing of dear Gianni, the Azzurri’s historic and unforgettable coach.”