Cristiano Giaretta Departs Watford FC as Gianluca Nani Assumes Sporting Director Role

Watford’s sporting director, Cristiano Giaretta, has departed from the club, making way for Gianluca Nani to take over the role.

Giaretta, who took on the position in 2020, witnessed the team’s successful promotion to the Premier League in his inaugural season at Vicarage Road.

However, their stay in the top flight lasted only one season. Nani, who previously served as Watford’s technical director between 2012 and 2014 and had a brief stint as sporting director at Reading in 2018, steps into this role aiming to guide the team back to the Premier League. “I hope the supporters will witness the team’s return to the Premier League. Never give up – that’s certain,” expressed the 55-year-old Giaretta on the club’s website.

Watford issued a statement expressing gratitude to Cristiano “The Hornets thank Cristiano for his dedication and professionalism during his tenure, and have moved quickly to appoint a replacement who has great familiarity with both the club and the role itself.”

This marks the second significant change in the club’s leadership behind the scenes, following the departure of technical director Ben Manga in October.