Valencia appoints Prandelli as manager

Former Italian national team boss Cesare Prandelli was named Valencia manager Saturday after Pako Ayestaran was sacked for losing all four of Los Che's opening matches.

Prandelli, who last plied his trade with Istanbul giant Galatasaray during the 2014-15 campaign, joins Valencia on a two-year deal, according to the club's website.

(Courtesy: @valenciacf)

The statement confirmed the hiring, and said the 59-year-old gaffer will be present for Sunday's clash with Atletico Madrid before being unveiled by the club Monday.

Valencia sits 15th in La Liga table after a slow start was ameliorated by caretaker manager Voro Gonzalez, though with only four goals in six league matches, the club will welcome Prandelli's attacking brand of football.

The Mestalla Stadium is the latest stop in Prandelli's 26-year coaching career, and the 10th gig for the manager who led Italy to the Euro 2012 final on the heels of a successful five-year spell with Fiorentina. During that tenure with La Viola, Prandelli led the club to the UEFA Cup semis in 2007-08, winning Serie A Coach of the Year honours in 2008-09.

Prandelli becomes Valencia's first Italian manager since Claudio Ranieri bossed the club during the 2004-05 campaign, his second spell at the helm of the six-time Spanish top flight winner.