Lecce name Di Francesco as coach

Serie A strugglers Lecce have appointed former Italy international Eusebio Di Francesco to their vacant manager position on a two-year deal.

Di Francesco, who led Pescara to a 13th-place finish in Serie B last season, is said to have impressed Lecce officials with the attractive style of play he installed at the second-division side.

A short statement on Lecce’s website said: “Lecce inform that Eusebio Di Francesco is the new coach of the first squad.”

The 41-year-old will be officially unveiled at the Stadio Via del Mare on Monday.

Di Francesco made more than 150 appearances for Roma as a midfielder, winning the league title in 2000/01, and was capped 12 times for his national side.

He takes over from Luigi De Canio, who departed the club by mutual consent after helping them narrowly beat the drop in their first year back in the top-flight.

Lecce finished 17th on the Serie A table, five points off the relegation places.