Di Matteo succeeds Ince at Milton Keyns Dons

Roberto di Matteo, the former Chelsea and Italy midfielder, was unveiled Thursday as the new manager of English third-tier side Milton Keynes Dons.

Di Matteo, 38, replaces Paul Ince, one of his old opponents, after the former Manchester United midfielder became the manager of Premier League Blackburn Rovers after leading the Dons to promotion.

Di Matteo, who has no previous managerial experience, signed a one-year contract with the option of a further year.

Di Matteo, capped 34 times by Italy will take charge of first-team affairs immediately.

“Like the club itself, Roberto is young, ambitious and hungry to succeed. We are enormously excited about the team moving forward under his leadership,” said an MK Dons statement.

Di Matteo, forced to retire through injury six years ago, scored after only 43 seconds in the 1997 FA Cup final against Middlesbrough.