Watford's new head coach Alessio Dionisi had his UK visa approved today (Wednesday), it has been confirmed to The Watford Observer.
Dionisi's appointment as Ed Still's successor was confirmed nine days ago, on Monday, June 15, but the technicalities allowing him to work in England have only just been wrapped up.
First-team players returned for pre-season on Monday, with several of the squad pictured going through familiar testing drills - though exchanges between the players and Dionisi weren't published until Wednesday
The club stated on Monday that the Italian had met his squad for the first time that morning, with the head coach then pictured posing in clubwear on Tuesday.
It has now been confirmed by sources involved in the visa process that Dionisi was officially granted the required documentation on Wednesday, June 24, with the club then posting an image of him in action on social media.
Lovely day for it ☀️ pic.twitter.com/0jDICyF9tp
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) June 24, 2026
The extent of the work Dionisi has been able to do with his squad since Monday is not confirmed.
Speaking last week, new sporting director Luke Dowling stated he would meet Dionisi for the first time when he arrived in England on the weekend of June 20-21.
Dowling said: "I had a very positive Zoom call with the new coach and his staff last week.
"He comes across with his staff as a really good guy, good morals, and a belief in how he wants the team to play, which I think will be exciting once the season is up and running.
"Obviously it has been led by Gian Luca, so we'll get more of a feel of exactly what he's like on the day-to-day next week when the players report back.
"I believe he's flying at the weekend and the players report next Monday, so it's exciting times for the season ahead."
Dionisi will discover Watford's Championship fixture schedule tomorrow (Thursday, June 25), with four official pre-season friendlies to be played beforehand.
Share