Zdenek Zeman’s former right-hand man Modica named as Ħamrun Spartans coach

Ħamrun Spartans have appointed Italian coach Giacomo Modica as their new first-team coach, the Premier League champions announced.

The Spartans on Saturday announced that they had decided to part ways with Winston Muscat, who in his short stint at the helm had helped the club to revive their title hopes and lead them to the Premier League title.

On Saturday, the Times of Malta had confirmed that the Spartans were set to appoint a new foreign coach, and on Sunday morning, it was announced that Modica will be the new man in charge at the 11-time Malta champions.

Modica, a former midfielder, donned the colours of Palermo, Padova, Messina, and Ancona during his playing career.

But when he switched to the coaching landscape, Modica is particularly renowned for his close association with Zdeněk Zeman, having served as his assistant for six years, including at Fenerbahçe, Salernitana, and Napoli.

Modica began his managerial career in 2004 with Cosenza. He then managed several clubs, including Melfi, Celano, Lecco, L’Aquila, Mazara, Cavese, Vibonese

He also returned to collaborate with Zeman at Roma (2012) and Cagliari (2014).

Modica had two significant spells as the manager of ACR Messina.

The first was in 2017–2018 in Serie D, where he led the team to a sixth-place finish.

Modica returned in 2023, managing the team in Serie C. He completed the 2023–24 season in 14th place, but resigned in January 2025 following a change in ownership, leaving the team third-from-bottom.

At Ħamrun Spartans, Modica is expected to implement his famous attacking style of football, strongly influenced by Zeman’s philosophy, often using systems like 4-3-3 or 4-4-2.

The Italian is appreciated for his passion and dedication, as shown by the messages of support from Messina players when he resigned.

Modica is expected to start his job at Ħamrun Spartans this week and will be looking to bring in some quality signings as the Premier League winners are set to step up their preparations for the UEFA Champions League qualifiers.

The Spartans are determined to make an impact in Europe this summer as president Joseph Portelli is still determined to realise his dream of leading the team to the group stages of the UEFA Conference League.