Serie A: Lecce sack coach D’Aversa after headbutting incident with Verona player

Lecce have sacked coach Roberto D’Aversa following an altercation where he attempted to headbutt Hellas Verona striker Thomas Henry.

The club confirmed D’Aversa’s dismissal in a statement released on Monday morning, thanking him and his staff for their work.

Tensions rose on Sunday, after the final whistle of the Serie A match at the Stadio Via Del Mare, with Verona having just defeated Lecce.

Henry had a confrontation with Lecce defender Marin Pongracic in the closing minutes and approached D’Aversa after the game ended.

D’Aversa, in response, attempted to headbutt the French forward, leading to both individuals receiving straight red cards.

Lecce publicly condemned their coach’s behaviour, while D’Aversa claimed he was provoked by Henry.

The Italian tactician is likely to face a lengthy ban as well, and Lecce has only managed one win in their last 12 matches.

Football Italia reports that Leonardo Semplici is being considered as one of the candidates to replace D’Aversa for the remaining ten games of the season.