Another Israeli in Italian Football: Avraham Grant Coaches Juve-Stabia

Never before have so many Israelis been seen together in Italian soccer. Following in the footsteps of players Manor Solomon and Omri Gandelman, who recently signed with Fiorentina and Lecce, respectively, is coach Avraham Grant. After a forty-year coaching career, which culminated in Chelsea’s 2008 Champions League final victory and a recent stint coaching the Zambian national team, Grant took on a new challenge at the end of January as the head of football operations at Juve Stabia. The Campania-based club plays in Serie B and finished fifth last year, qualifying for the playoffs. It is currently performing at the same level (seventh place) this season. Serie A may be a dream, but why not try? After all, “Avraham brings unparalleled football experience,” the club said in a statement. Born in Petah Tikva, Israel, in 1955, Grant has coached his country’s national team and various club teams throughout his career, including Chelsea, West Ham, and Portsmouth in the Premier League. With the London Blues, victory in the Champions League final against Manchester United—the club’s first final—slipped away only in the shootout.

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