Roma appoint Di Francesco as new head coach

Di Francesco, 47, has signed an initial two-year contract with the Giallorossi which runs until the summer of 2019.

“When we sat down to discuss the ideal candidate for the role of Roma coach, we wanted someone who could come in and get the very best out of our first team players and also help bring through some of the great young talent coming out of our academy,” said AS Roma president Jim Pallotta.

“Our new sporting director Monchi singled out Eusebio Di Francesco and, with his style of play, we believe he’s the right fit for Roma.”

Di Francesco returns to Roma having previously represented the club during his playing days. The Pescara-born midfielder played for the Giallorossi for four seasons, joining the club in 1997 and leaving in the summer of 2001.

In total he made 129 appearances - scoring 16 goals - and helped the club win the Serie A title in 2000-01.

During his professional career he also earned international recognition, winning 12 caps for Italy. After retiring as a player in 2005, he subsequently returned to Roma as team operations manager for the 2005-06 campaign.

“I am extremely happy to be able to return to Roma, to coach a club that has always meant a lot to me,” Di Francesco said. “I am grateful to President Pallotta and all the directors for this opportunity.

"I will give everything I have to make sure this team gets the results it deserves.”

For the last five seasons Di Francesco has been head coach of Sassuolo, guiding the club to promotion from Serie B in 2013 before steering the Neroverdi to an historic sixth-place finish – and qualification for the Europa League – in 2016.

He has previously also coached Virtus Lanciano, Pescara and Lecce.