Roma hire Eusebio Di Francesco as coach to replace Luciano Spalletti
AS Roma news

Roma hire Eusebio Di Francesco as coach to replace Luciano Spalletti

Roma hired Sassuolo manager Eusebio Di Francesco on Monday as their new head coach, replacing Luciano Spalletti, who took over Inter.

Di Francesco, 47, signed a contract with Roma until 2019 after leading Sassuolo for five seasons.

"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," Roma president Jim Pallotta said in a statement.

"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 previously played for Roma from 1997-2001 and won the Serie A title in his final season.

"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."

Sassuolo confirmed Di Francesco had left the club by mutual consent earlier in the day. They have been linked to Perugia boss Cristian Bucchi.

Di Francesco took over Sassuolo in 2012 and immediately led them to the Serie B title and promotion to the top flight. He was sacked in January 2014 but rehired just five weeks later.

Sassuolo finished sixth in Serie A in 2015-16, qualifying for the Europa League, but they dropped to 12th this past season.

The move comes hours after Roma made Mexico international Hector Moreno from PSV Eindhoven their first summer signing.

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