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While David Beckham is still trying to nail down a spot for his MLS stadium, Miami’s other brand new professional soccer team is moving fast and furious. Today, Miami FC announced that it has hired Italian soccer star Alessandro Nesta as their head coach. Although Nesta has never been a head coach before, his credentials on the field are solid. He was known as one of the greatest defenders in the game, is a member of the FIFA 100, has a World Cup title, and collected numerous other titles and individual honors throughout his career.
Miami FC will play in the second-tier North American Soccer League, but co-owner Paolo Maldini is already bringing in the star power. He is also a retired Italian superstar, and played with Nesta at AC Milan and on the Italian national team.
I am very happy and excited for this new experience, I look forward to start! @TheMiamiFC @_Riccardo_Silva pic.twitter.com/V6dILhxr37
— Alessandro Nesta (@sandronesta13) August 31, 2015
Proud to announce our head coach @sandronesta13 who has been working hard to find the best talent #oneclubonevoice pic.twitter.com/XmTWsUIguL
— The Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) August 31, 2015
The team also recently unveiled their badge and shield. With Nesta’s appointment, the team will now also began actively scouting players in time for the 2016 season. Miami FC is rumored to begin playing at FIU Stadium, however, that has not yet been confirmed.
It seems Miami FC is certainly trying to make big waves in a town that has a shoddy history with supporting professional soccer, and where they will face stiff competition — eventually — from Beckham’s MLS team. Miami FC is also in a unique position where they won’t automatically be able to count Broward and Palm Beach residents as fans, a rarity for Miami teams, as Fort Lauderdale already has its own NACL team.
Folks familiar with European soccer are certainly having their minds blown by the news.
Alessandro Nesta is the new coach of Miami FC, the team owned by Paolo Maldini.
Two Absolute Legends!
— Arsenal News (@__arsenalnews_) August 31, 2015
We’ll see if that excitement can translate into local fandom.
