Former Italy coach Marcello Lippi is backing Rino Gattuso for success with Napoli.

Gattuso has been appointed new coach of Napoli after the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti on Tuesday night.

Lippi said, "With Rino I won and I can say of him: whatever he does, coach or manager, he will be successful. He is part of a group of exceptional players and men.

"Gattuso will be able to assert himself and be appreciated by the fans.

"I am sorry for Carlo Ancelotti, who has an exceptional career. But life is not just about highs, there are also lows. He is a dear friend, he is 10 years younger than me and he will have time to get other excellent results elsewhere."