NEWCASTLE will have to appoint a new assistant manager after Fabio Pecchia was tonight confirmed as the new head coach of Italian side Verona.

Pecchia moved to St James’ Park as Rafael Benitez’s right-hand man when the former Liverpool boss was appointed as Steve McClaren’s successor in March.

He agreed to remain in position when Benitez confirmed his intention to continue as manager last week, but has subsequently been offered a managerial post with Verona.

Talks with the Serie B side have taken place in the last few days, and Verona have now issued a statement confirming Pecchia’s appointment on an initial one-year deal.

The statement said: “Hellas Verona announced it has entrusted the technical guidance of the first team to Fabio Pecchia, with a contract expiring June 30, 2017.”

Benitez will now begin the process of appointing a successor, having worked with Pecchia during his time at both Napoli and Real Madrid.