Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has been handed a blow after hearing news that assistant coach Fabio Pecchia will leave St James' Park to become the Hellas Verona new manager.
Pecchia, 42, knows Benitez well after working alongside the Spaniard at Napoli and Real Madrid before joining the former Liverpool boss on Tyneside earlier this season.
Benitez failed to keep Newcastle in the Premier League after taking over from Steve McClaren in March, however, Geordie fans were given a boost last week when the highly-renowned manager signed a new three-year deal.
Newcastle released an official statement on Fabio Pecchia's departure, reading:
"?"Newcastle United have this evening confirmed that first-team coach Fabio Pecchia will be leaving the club to become manager at Italian club Verona."
Benitez wrote of his disappointment on his "?official website:
Rafa Benitez has cancelled his summer holiday to work on rebuilding #NUFC. Love the commitment ?? #mmlove pic.twitter.com/iiwfXQRQjg
"I am sad to see him depart as he has been an excellent professional from the first day until the last in the years we have worked together.
"Second and most importantly, I am pleased because he has been considered for this new position, he leaves to face these new and exciting challenges, both personally and professionally."
Pecchia will take over at Verona, who will be playing in Serie B next season after finishing bottom in Italy's top tier this campaign.
Newcastle also stated that good progress has been made to replace the Italian assistant coach.
"Good progress is being made with regard to replacing Pecchia, and a further announcement will be made in the coming days." They added.