Luciano Spalletti appointed Roma head coach for second time

Luciano Spalletti has been appointed Roma head coach for a second time in his career following the departure of Rudi Garcia.

The Serie A side have made a swift decision as they sacked Garcia just 24 hours ago.

Spalletti was previously in charge at the Stadio Olimpico between 2005 and 2009, winning the Coppa Italia twice, but left to take over at Zenit St Petersburg, where he stayed for five years before departing in 2014.

"I'm excited because I know what the merits of this city, this club and this team are," Spalletti told the club's official website. "It's exciting to work with such worthy people."

Roma president Jim Pallotta added: "We are very excited to welcome Luciano Spalletti back to Roma. He is a proven winner with a strong track record of success. We are looking forward to working together to take Roma to where we believe it should be."

Spalletti set a new Serie A record in February 2006 when the team went on a winning run of 11 consecutive games.