Darío Franco


Darío Javier Franco Gatti is an Argentine football manager and former international footballer. He is currently manager of San Luis de Quillota.

Playing career

Club

Franco made his football debut in his native country, briefly playing with Newell's Old Boys before joining Spain's Real Zaragoza. He arrived in Mexico in 1995 to play for Atlas. After three years with the club, he was transferred to Monarcas Morelia, where he won the 2000 championship.

International

He played also for Argentina's national team, and scored two goals in the 1991 Copa América, which Argentina won. In the 1993 edition he was selected to replace the banned Claudio Caniggia, but was seriously injured in Argentina's first match.

Managerial career

After his playing career ended, Franco became the manager of Tecos UAG. The president of the club fired him on Saturday August 18, 2007 after Tecos lost 4-1 to Pachuca in their first game of the season and were then beaten 3-0 by Atlante F.C. in their third game. The only point he earned came from a 0-0 draw against Chivas de Guadalajara in the second game. In Clausura 2009, Franco managed Atlas. After their second game, a 4-0 defeat to Cruz Azul, Franco was fired and was replaced by Ricardo La Volpe.
Between 2010 and 2013, Franco managed San Martín de San Juan and Instituto. In 2013, Franco signed a contract with Universidad de Chile, but he was fired after six months. He managed Aldosivi in 2013 and Defensa y Justicia in 2014. He departed Defensa y Justicia in 2015 and subsequently became manager of Colón. In 2016, after leaving Colón, he returned to Aldosivi to become the club's manager for the second time. He rejoined Instituto de Córdoba on 1 November 2017.

Personal life

His son Emiliano Franco is a footballer.