Udinese appoints Iachini as coach

Rome - Giuseppe Iachini has been appointed coach of Serie A side Udinese on Thursday after a difficult season which saw the team finish 17th under his predecessor Luigi De Canio.

The 52-year-old signed a two-year deal with the north-eastern Italian side which just missed the drop last season.

Iachini, a former midfielder notably with Fiorentina, had two stints coaching Palermo last season.

He started the 2015-2016 season at the Sicilian club before being sacked.

Recalled by Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini early this year he rejoined the club only to quit three weeks later.

"I arrive with much enthusiasm. The club is well organised and the players have a lot of quality," said Iachini, who previously coached Italian clubs Brescia, Chievo, Siena and Sampdoria.