Former Palermo coach Beppe Iachini has paid tribute to Maurizio Zamparini.

Zamparini's family announced his passing this morning at the age of 80 after complications from surgery.

Iachini played and coached under former Palermo and Venezia president Zamparini and said: “Football has lost a great man and a great president. For me today is a very sad day, I feel a deep pain because I was lucky enough to know him and live with him unique and indelible moments. First as a player and then as a coach, it was he who strongly believed in my qualities as a coach.

"Together we earned a lot of satisfaction, I had the pleasure of knowing him well, he was very competent on the technical aspects of football and he has always been very generous with everyone. On a human level he was a great person to me. He was eternally in love with football and the ball, this aspect united us and with him we always understood each other immediately, there was a beautiful and human understanding.

"He left me great teachings, I will always remember him and always carry him in my heart. I want to send an affectionate hug to his wife and her children, because I know what they are feeling in this sad moment."