Milan legend sacked as coach after failing to include president's son in game

Former Milan defender Ignazio Abate was sacked and then returned to the bench by Italian Serie C side Ternana. 

This happened due to a disagreement regarding hierarchy and his decision not to invite and include the president's son in the game. 

Abate, who made over 300 appearances for Milan before taking charge of their Under-16s after retiring, had been appointed coach of Ternana after leaving Milan's youth system. 

Ternana currently sits in second place in Group B of Serie C after 25 matches, three points behind leaders Virtus Entella. 

Despite a strong start to the 2024/2025 season, Abate was sacked and then returned to the bench almost immediately after the dispute involving the president and his son. 

According to local media, the coach was initially fired by Ternana after not inviting Mattya D'Alessandro, the president's son, to a match. 

There was reportedly an agreement to allow 20-year-old D'Alessandro to go elsewhere on loan to gain experience, but this did not happen and almost cost Abate his job. 

Ternana had confirmed his dismissal, even announcing that Fabio Liverani would replace him on the bench. 

However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the players requested an urgent meeting with the club's board and the former coach and three hours later, Abate was back on the bench./Telegraph/