Gattuso handed helm in Milan

MILAN - Fallen Italian giant AC Milan made combative former player Gennaro Gattuso its new boss on Monday after firing Vincenzo Montella following a disappointing start to the season.

The seven-time European champion released Montella after a scoreless draw against Torino on Sunday left it seventh in Serie A, 18 points behind leader Napoli.

In 39-year-old Gattuso, the Chinese-owned club has turned to a member of one of its most successful sides, but he has little coaching pedigree.