London, May 21 (IANS): English football club Watford on Saturday announced the appointment of Italian Walter Mazzarri as its head coach for the next three seasons.

"The 54-year old, who enjoyed a 15-year playing career in his home country, has a wealth of experience managing in the top-flight in Italy and has signed a three-year contract with effect from July 1at Vicarage Road," Watford said in a statement.

Mazzarri replaces Quique Sanchez Flores and has his first work since being fired by Inter Milan in November 2014.

Watford finished 13th in the English Premier League season.

Hornets' CEO Scott Duxbury said of Mazzarri's appointment: "Walter has been the target of a number of approaches for his services, so we're delighted to secure him as head coach here at Watford. 

"We're thoroughly looking forward to working with such a highly-regarded coach, with the progress and development of the club always remaining the highest priority." 

During his time in Serie A, Mazzarri has twice reached the Coppa Italia final with Sampdoria and Napoli -- as well as guiding the latter to a second-place finish.

His most recent appointment was made in 2013, when he joined Italian giants Inter Milan as head coach. Prior to that he coached Napoli for four years.