Rome, June 14 (IANS): Serie A club Sassuolo head coach Eusebio Di Francesco has joined AS Roma, signing an initial two-year contract until 2019 with his former football club. He takes the position vacated by Luciano Spalletti, who moved to Inter Milan.

"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 on Tuesday.

"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," he added.

The 47-year-old had earlier made 129 appearances for Roma in 1997-2001 scoring 16 goals as a midfielder and won the Serie A title in 2000-01.

Di Francesco also expressed his happiness returning to the club. "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," he added.

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