Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has been named Genoa’s next coach, the Serie A team announced Wednesday.
After leaving French Ligue 1 team Strasbourg in July, the Frenchman, who had previously coached Premier League team Crystal Palace, has been unemployed.
On Tuesday, Genoa fired coach Alberto Gilardino following a disappointing season that left the team just above the relegation zone.
Currently at 17th in the league rankings, Genoa has 10 points after their first 12 league games.
Before taking over at MLS franchise New York City, 48-year-old Vieira started his managerial career with Manchester City’s under-23 squad from 2013 to 2015.
After that, he played for Nice in Ligue 1 for two and a half years before relocating to Palace.
After coaching the Italian striker for ten games during their time together at Nice in the 2018–19 campaign, he will rejoin with his new recruit, Mario Balotelli.