Vincenzo Annese

Vincenzo Alberto Annese (born 22 September 1984) is an Italian professional football manager and former player. He is the current head coach of the Nepal national team.

Being born and having started his coaching career in Italy, Annese managed teams in Latvia, Ghana, Palestine, Indonesia, Belize, Kosovo and India. He won two consecutive I-League titles with Gokulam Kerala.

Early life
Annese began his football career as a midfielder for Venezia youth side. He later played for local clubs Martina Franca, Noicattaro and Leonessa Altamura.

After a brief playing career, Annese attended the Higher Institute of Physical Education (ISEF) at the Università degli studi di Foggia and University of Verona, focussing on the adaptation of sports to disabled people.

Early career
Annese started his professional coaching career in Fidelis Andria youth team in 2010. In 2013, he joined Foggia as coaching staff in 2012–13 Lega Pro Prima Divisione and 2013–14 Lega Pro Prima Divisione. From 2015 to 2016, he was a technical coach with Armenia at various youth international levels.

Bechem United
In January 2017, Annese joined Ghanaian Premier League club Bechem United as the head coach for 2017 season. Under him the club became 2017 Ghana Super Cup runner-up.

Ahli Al-Khaleel
On 25 July 2017, Annese joined West Bank Premier League club Ahli Al-Khaleel on a one-year deal as the head coach. He led the club to finals of 2016–17 Palestine Cup and 2017 West Bank Super Cup.

PSIS Semarang
On 24 March 2018, Annese joined Liga 1 club PSIS Semarang as the head coach for 2018 season.

Belize
On 17 June 2019, Annese signed a one-year contract with Belize national football team as the head coach.

Gokulam Kerala
On 19 August 2020, Annese joined I-League club Gokulam Kerala. Under him, the club won their maiden I-League title in 2020–21 season and qualified for the 2022 AFC Cup group stage.

Annese created history in the I-League with longest unbeaten streak of 21 games. The previous record-holder was Churchill Brothers, who held it for 17 games (from February 20, 2009 to January 22, 2010). Under him Gokulam Kerala won the 2021–22 I-League title, became the first club to win consecutive I-League titles. He received 2021–22 I-League Best Coach award

At the 2022 AFC Cup group stage opener, Gokulam Kerala achieved a historic 4–2 win against Indian Super League club ATK Mohun Bagan.

On June 1, 2022 Annese announced that he won't be continuing with Gokulam Kerala.

NorthEast United
On 8 December 2022, Annese joined Indian Super League club NorthEast United as the new head coach after the club sacked Marco Balbul mid-season.

Nepal
On 1 March 2023, the All Nepal Football Association announced him as the country's head coach and won 2023 Prime Minister's Three Nations Cup defeating Laos.

Manager
Bechem United
 * Ghana Super Cup: 2017

Ahli Al-Khaleel
 * Palestine Cup runner-up: 2016–17
 * West Bank Super Cup runner-up: 2017

Gokulam Kerala
 * I-League: 2020–21, 2021–22

Nepal
 * 2023 Prime Minister's Three Nations Cup

Individual
 * Syed Abdul Rahim Award (I-League Best Coach): 2021–22