BRIEF-Soccer-Livorno recruit Russo as shadow coach

MILAN, July 14 (Reuters) - Newly promoted Serie A side Livorno have recruited former Sampdoria assistant coach Vittorio Russo after federation officials said Gennaro Ruotolo did not have the right coaching badges to manage in the top flight.

Russo will be the official head coach but in reality Ruotolo will manage team affairs.

"We sorted out some issues with Ruotolo, I am honoured to be here and I hope I can be useful to Livorno's cause," Russo told Tuesday's Gazzetta dello Sport. (Reporting by Mark Meadows; Editing by John O'Brien; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)