"Huge" - Leeds United promotion-winner named new coach of Italian club's youth team

Modern day Leeds United favourite Gaetano Berardi has been named the new coach of an Italian club’s youth side.

Swiss defender Berardi joined Leeds from Sampdoria back in July 2014 and the full-back went on to make 157 appearances for the Whites, helping the club to promotion under Marcelo Bielsa in June 2000.

Berardi then waved farewell to Leeds at the end of United’s first season back in the Premier League, ending seven years at Elland Road in an emotional exit alongside fellow modern day hero Pablo Hernandez who left at the same time.

Berardi became a free agent and the full back ultimately joined Swiss side Sion side in January 2022 until the end of the campaign.

Following a spell with fellow Swiss outfit Bellinzona, the former Whites star announced his retirement from the game the following summer at the age of 34.

But Berardi has since been taking his first steps into coaching and the 37-year-old has now been named the new Primavera (youth team) coach of Italian club Ospitaletto Franciacorta who ply their trade in Serie C.

A statement from the club read: ‘Ospitaletto Franciacorta welcomes Gaetano Berardi, the new coach of the Primavera team for the 2026/2027 season.

‘After a brilliant playing career, during which he played for Brescia, Sampdoria, Leeds United, Sion, and Bellinzona, Berardi embarked on a coaching career, gaining his first coaching experience as coach of Brescia's Under-17 and Under-19 teams. Last season, he led the Pro Palazzolo National Juniors, continuing his development in the youth sector.’

Berardi said: “I'm very excited and can't wait to begin this new adventure, a challenge I've decided to take on with great enthusiasm. From the very beginning, I sensed the club's ambition and, above all, their desire to grow and develop the players. I thank the club for their trust and for the opportunity they've given me.”

Hailing a ‘huge boost’ for the club, Andrea Cugola, Youth Sector Organization Manager, said: "I'm pleased that Gaetano has chosen to join us. He's a talented coach with a strong background as a player. We're confident he can give us a huge boost and do very well. We believe he's the right person to guide our young players' growth, not only technically but also personally.”