AC Milan sacks manager Vincenzo Montella

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AC Milan sacked Vincenzo Montella as manager and replaced him with Gennaro Gattuso in a dramatic switch around on Monday.

Montella was the first coach to lead the team since former Italian Prime Minster Silvio Berlusconi sold it to a Chinese-led consortium in a 740 million euro deal in April

He had been in charge since the start of last season when he led them to sixth place in Serie A last season.

The club has lost six of their 14 top-flight matches this season.

Gennaro Gattuso becomes Milan's seventh coach since now-Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri was fired in January 2014. /VCG Photo

Former midfielder Gattuso who spent 12 seasons playing for Milan, winning two Serie A, two Champions League and one Club World Cup titles, steps up from managing the club's youth side.

"We are very grateful to Mr. Montella and his staff for all the work done up to today, their commitment and professionalism," AC Milan said in a statement.

AC Milan have spent more than 200 million euros on transfers since Chinese businessman Li Yonghong took control in April last year.

Chinese ownership heralded a change of direction, symbolized by the decision to spend around 40 million euros to sign experienced Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci from champions Juventus.

New owner of the AC Milan football club Li Yonghong (C) poses with Italian businessman Marco Fassone (R) and Rossoneri Sport Investment Lux. /VCG Photo

AC Milan, who have won the Italian title 18 times and are seven-time European champions, are currently seventh in Serie A with 20 points, 18 points behind leaders Napoli, after only two league victories in their past nine games.

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