On Monday in Coverciano (Florence), the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) handed Napoli coach, Maurizio Sarri, the 'Golden Bench' award for Best Coach after the second place he achieved last season in Serie A.
He became the first coach of the Partnopei to win the FIGC prize, having triumphed by three votes over Juventus' Massimiliano Allegri and Sassuolo's Eusebio Di Francesco.
The prize is awarded based on the votes given by the coaches of Serie A, Serie B (Second Division) and Lega Pro (Third Division).
"Normally, when I receive prizes, I am not particularly happy because I think it's time that I could be dedicating to my work, but this is different,"Sarri said after receiving the award from FIGC president Carlo Tavecchio.
"I'm thrilled because it's been given by coaches and up until five years ago, I've been working in the third division."
In winning, Sarri broke the streak of Juve coaches, who had dominated the award in the last four editions; three twins for Antonio Conte and one for Allegri.
There was also a "Special Gold Bench" award given to Claudio Ranieri for last year's historic triumph with Leicester City in the English Premier League.