Ex-Atalanta coach Mondonico, 71, dies after losing battle with cancer

Much-loved Mondonico, who also coached Napoli, Cremonese and a number of other Italian clubs, led Torino to the Italian Cup in 1993 and the UEFA Cup final in 1992.

(Reuters)

He also guided Atalanta to the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1988 when they were still competing in Italy's second tier.

Mondonico famously lifted his chair over his head in protest at a refereeing decision during the 1992 UEFA Cup final second leg. Torino lost the final to Ajax Amsterdam, led by former Netherlands and Manchester United coach Louis van Gaal, on the away goals rule.

"Bye Dad... you were our example and our strength... now we'll try to do as you taught us," Mondonico's daughter Clara said on Facebook.

Mondonico had been fighting cancer for seven years and was forced to retire from coaching in 2012.

(Reporting by Angel Krasimirov; Editing by Keith Weir)