GOAL.COM

Roma has come to terms with Eusebio Di Francesco on a two-year contract to become their next manager, the club announced Tuesday.

The former midfielder departed Serie A side Sassuolo via mutual consent earlier in the day, leaving him free to replace Luciano Spalletti, who departed the club for Inter after a second-placed Serie A finish in 2016-17.

“When we sat down to discuss the ideal candidate for the role of Roma coach, we wanted someone who could come in and get the very best out of our first team players and also help bring through some of the great young talent coming out of our academy,” AS Roma president Jim Pallotta said in a statement.

“Our new sporting director Monchi singled out Eusebio Di Francesco and, with his style of play, we believe he’s the right fit for Roma.”

The 47-year-old Di Francesco is pleased to lead the capital club, where he played from 1997-2001 and won a title as a player. 

“I am extremely happy to be able to return to Roma, to coach a club that has always meant a lot to me,” Di Francesco said. “I am grateful to President Pallotta and all the directors for this opportunity.

"I will give everything I have to make sure this team gets the results it deserves.”

Sassuolo general manager Giovanni Carnevali had been quoted by insideroma.com on Monday as saying an agreement on a compensation package was imminent.

The club's statement read: "The Sassuolo Calcio, while respecting the agreements signed, announces that it has terminated prematurely by mutual consent the relationship with coach Eusebio Di Francesco.

"They were unforgettable five years, five years of memorable victories and dreams realized.

"Every other word would be superfluous.

"Thank you, we just wish you a future full of success and satisfaction.

"You're one of us, always!"

Di Francesco’s time at Sassuolo was filled with ups and downs, as he navigated the club to promotion from Serie B in the 2012-13 season. However, he was fired by the club in January 2014 before being re-appointed in March of that year, both moves undertaken to help save the club from relegation.

Di Francesco did that and more, as he guided Sassuolo to Europa League qualification for the 2016-17 season and saw the side make the group stage of the tournament.

Sassuolo is set to appoint Cristian Bucchi, who had stints at Pescara and Perugia, as their new manager.