Marco Materazzi Confirmed as Chennai Player-Manager

Former Italian international and 2006 World Cup winner Marco Materazzi has been confirmed as the player-manager signing for Chennai Titans in the upcoming Indian Super League season. Rumours of clubs approaching the Italian to take on a managerial role in the Indian Super League appear to be confirmed, with Materazzi arriving in Bangalore last Saturday night.

The World Cup winner was previously named as a front-runner for a managerial position in the new ISL club. Materazzi, 41, retired from club football in 2011, finishing his career with a decade-long spell at Inter Milan.

While rumours floated regarding Materazzi’s involvement in the new Indian Super League, reports that the former Bangalore franchise were in close talks with Inter Milan before the franchise’s sudden closure. Given the now-confirmed signing of Materazzi to the league, the possibility remains of the Italian giants involvement the Chennai franchise.

Materazzi will find himself in good company in the upcoming Indian Super League, with World Cup winning team-mate Alessandro Del Piero featuring as marquee for Delhi Dynamos FC. Chennai have also secured the signatures of former Manchester United midfielder Bojan Djordjic and former French international Bernard Mendy.

Chennai face FC Goa away from home in their first ISL match on October 16.