Former AC Milan star Gennaro Gattuso already under threat two games into manager’s role at Palermo

Aug 4, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; A ball lies on the field before the first half of the Internazionale and Valencia match at Metlife Stadium. Valencia won the match 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Genarro Gattuso, a fiery midfielder during his playing days at AC Milan, is already finding out that managing in Italy’s second division might have a shorter leash than expected.

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini is considering Gennaro Gattuso’s position as coach just two games into the Serie B season, according to Sky Sports.

Gattuso, who had a brief spell in charge of Sion last season, took charge of Palermo in the summer as Zamparini viewed the former AC Milan midfielder as the man to guide his club back into the top flight following relegation last season. Gattuso is just recently retired and has star power as well as respect amongst the Italian footballing community as a hard nosed tackler and an exceptional leader, which makes the recent developments rather confusing.

Poor results to open the season have put Gattuso on the hot seat, after being knocked out of the Coppa Italia by Hellas Verona (Gattuso was sent to the stands for abuse of an official) Palermo drew their opening league fixture at Modena before being beaten 2-1 at home by Empoli last weekend. Their trip to Padova on Sunday could well be Gattuso’s last if he can’t find a result hinted Zamparini.

“I don’t know, but I believe that the Padova game is going to be decisive for his future,” said Zamparini, who already fired over 50 coaches during his 11-year term as president of the Sicilian club. Gattuso is still confident that he can master the managerial learning curve and get Palermo on track.

“If the president does not think I’m suited to this role then it’s up to him to decide, but I have the conviction, the knowledge and the passion for my job, and the attitude of the team reflects this,” he told Sky Sport. “If I’m given the chance, I will continue, otherwise it will mean I will go to the (coaching) course without any problems and I will learn everything that I’ve yet to learn.”

Gattuso is relatively new to the managerial world, but it is not surprising to see even one of the most beloved AC Milan players be given a hard time in a country that is very unforgiving to managers who don’t get the results they are expected to. If Gattuso can’t win on Sunday he very well could be out of a job.