Dandenong Thunder have had to make a coaching change ahead of the 2017 NPL Victoria season with Giuseppe Anastasi replaced by Gianfranco Impellizzeri at the helm.
Unable to travel to Australia due to family reasons, former Serie A player Anastasi notified the club of his unavailability to commit for the upcoming campaign, with Thunder appointing the coach who has had extensive history in Victorian football both locally and regionally.
Impellizzeri has been involved in Victorian football for decades.
As a player he featured in the VPL and state leagues for the likes of Brunswick, Bulleen, Box Hill, Springvale City and Essendon.
Impellizzeri has also held senior coaching roles with Pascoe Vale, Werribee, Moreland Zebras, Fawkner, and Cobram Victory in the North Eastern Soccer League.
He is additionally involved with the AC Milan Academy in Sydney.
The UEFA B coach will be tasked with leading a squad boasting former Socceroos Simon Colosimo and Roddy Vargas, along with prolific goalscorer Brandon Barnes back to the top flight following relegation in 2015.