Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has lost his assistant.

After arriving alongside Benitez in March, Fabio Pecchia has departed St James' Park to take up the manager's role at Hellas Verona.

The 42-year-old had worked with Benitez at Napoli and Real Madrid prior to the Magpies job but will now return to his native Italy to take charge of the relegated Gialloblu who will compete in Serie B next season.

Benitez said: "I am sad to see him depart as he has been an excellent professional from the first day and until the last in the years we have worked together.

"Second and most importantly, I am pleased because he has been considered for this new position, he leaves to face these new and exciting challenges, both personally and professionally."