AEK Larnaca, the Cypriot side drawn against Beitar Jerusalem in the second qualifying round of the Conference League, has appointed a new coach, former Italy star Mauro Camoranesi. The announcement came after Beitar, Israel's league runner-up, learned it will face AEK in the next stage of the competition.
Camoranesi, 49, signed a one-year contract. He will try to lead AEK back to the Conference League group stage for the first time since the 2022/23 season, and also chase the club's first league title in its history.
The Italian is best known for a glittering playing career, especially at Juventus, where he made 225 appearances, and with the Italy national team, with whom he won the 2026 World Cup. As a coach, he has worked in several roles but has not yet achieved major success.
AEK Larnaca now turns to a high-profile name as it prepares for the European tie against Beitar Jerusalem, with Camoranesi hoping to build a reputation on the bench to match the one he earned on the pitch.