A-League icon Alessandro Diamanti has been appointed head coach of Serie B outfit Cesena.
Diamanti has signed a contract with the Italian second-tier club through to June 2028 after replacing former Chelsea, Arsenal and England star Ashley Cole, who departed following just eight games in charge.
βThe entire Cesena FC family is delighted to welcome Mr. Alessandro Diamanti to the helm of the first team and extends a warmest welcome to Cesena, wishing him every success in this new adventure,β a statement read.
This marks Diamantiβs first senior coaching role via Cesena, who finished 11th last season. It is the club where former Newcastle Jets defender Mark Natta has reportedly signed.
ππ₯ππ¬π¬ππ§ππ«π¨ ππ’ππ¦ππ§ππ’ Γ¨ il nuovo allenatore del Cesena FC.
π©ππππππππ ππ ππππππππππ π¨ππππ π€#DAIBURDEL
βΆοΈ https://t.co/2PQu3JNxCn pic.twitter.com/xDYDHf38UL
β Cesena FC (@calciocesenafc) July 1, 2026
A former Italy international, Diamanti jumped straight into coaching at Melbourne City, where he coached their senior academy side and led them to promotion to NPL VIC for the first time at the end of 2025, after he finished playing at Western United.
An ex-Fiorentina, Bologna, West Ham, Watford and Palermo midfielder, Diamanti departed City in November following more than two years in the role to complete his coaching badges in Italy.
Melbourne City director of football Michael Petrillo told Football360 previously: βHeβs just so passionate about coaching. Itβs the same passion that he had when he was playing. And I think that thatβs reflected in the way heβs gone about his business.
βHeβs got a long career in coaching and this is just the first step for him, but heβs learning a lot.β
During a storied career, Diamanti played for managers like legendary Italian Marcelo Lippi, Gian Piero Gasperini, Stefano Pioli, Vincenzo Montella and Cesare Prandelli.
βWhen you are captain for 15 years, itβs pretty similar the job. You have to mange your teammates, you have to speak with the coach, director, media and supporters. Itβs huge work,β he said in an interview with aleagues.com.au.
βI always try to help inside the pitch. I always have my idea. Iβve always been a coach in my career as a player. Now Iβm doing my official work.β