Roma appoint Spalletti as coach

Roma has appointed Luciano Spalletti as coach on a two-year contract, the Serie A club said yesterday evening. Spalletti, who guided Udinese to fourth place last season, resigned from the north-eastern team earlier this month. He replaces Bruno Conti at Roma.

Conti, a member of Italy's 1982 World Cup-winning side, is widely expected to return to his previous role as head of Roma's youth scheme.

The Serie A club said Spalletti's contract included an option for a third season and that he would be paid a gross salary of €2.2 million a year plus bonuses.

Spalletti, who is likely to take his Udinese coaching staff with him to Roma, is due to be presented to the media on Tuesday. Udinese, who will enter the Champions League qualifying round for the first time next season, have been linked with Genoa coach Serse Cosmi.