Melbourne City have announced Isuzu UTE A-League legend and retired Italy international Alessandro Diamanti’s two-year tenure as the club’s senior academy head coach has come to an end.
The 2020 Johnny Warren Medallist is set to return to Italy to complete his UEFA Pro License.
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Under Diamanti’s guidance, City’s academy side secured promotion via a thrilling VPL1 promotion play-off against Brunswick City, in which goalkeeper Lachie Charles made three penalty saves in a dramatic shootout to send City to the NPL.
Three years ago, City’s senior academy played in Victoria’s third tier and the team’s progression under Diamanti since has been nothing short of exceptional.
The Italian maestro made a significant impact at City through his first two years in charge of the senior academy side. Along the journey to the NPL, Diamanti played an important role in bridging the gap between the club’s academy and the senior team.
More than 10 academy players graduated to City’s Isuzu UTE A-League squad throughout Diamanti’s two-year tenure, helping to enhance the club’s reputation as a standard-setter in youth development for Australian football.
Former City youth team assistant coach Stuart McDonald has replaced Diamanti as senior academy head coach after four years at the club, and will be assisted by retired CommBank Socceroo and ex-City midfielder Jimmy Jeggo.
Jeggo announced his retirement after the Isuzu UTE A-League 2024-25 season; he’s since been working closely with the club’s Isuzu UTE A-League coaching staff ahead of his appointment as youth team assistant coach.
City senior academy manager Simon Zappia thanked Diamanti for his service to the club over the past two years while both welcoming Jeggo to the academy coaching staff, and congratulating McDonald on his promotion to senior academy head coach.
“We’re extremely grateful for the work Alessandro has done during his time at Melbourne City and fully support his decision to return to Italy,” Zappia said.
“It opens up a great opportunity for Stuart McDonald to step into the Youth Team Head Coach role. Stuart has been outstanding throughout his time at the Club and has a very bright future ahead.
“We’re equally pleased to welcome Jimmy Jeggo into our Academy coaching ranks, while continuing with Lewis Potter and promoting Leroy Almanera, who both bring great experience and success from within our system.”
City director of football Michael Petrillo added: “Alessandro has left a lasting mark on the Club, as reflected in the number of Academy players who have earned professional contracts, particularly over the past year, as well as the overwhelming positive impact he has had on the players and staff within the Academy.
“We thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best as he returns to Italy to complete his UEFA Pro License. I am sure he will enjoy a very successful journey in coaching in the years ahead.
“I’d also like to congratulate Stuart McDonald and Jimmy Jeggo on their appointments. We have full confidence in them to lead our Academy into an exciting new phase.
“It’s extremely pleasing to see our strong tradition of promoting from within continue, while at the same time being able to provide opportunities for not only players, but staff to progress their careers overseas.”
