The Brazil-born 38-year-old makes his return to coaching after a short-lived experience with Genoa in 2019, when he was sacked after two months in the job.

The former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, who was part of teams that won dozens of trophies during his playing career, replaces Vincenzo Italiano, who has joined Fiorentina.

Spezia finished 15th in the 2020-21 season, its first in the elite Italian division.