Former Italy boss Cesare Prandelli appointed as new manager of Galatasaray

Just weeks after stepping down from his role as manager of the Italian national team following a disappointing group stage exit at the World Cup, Cesare Prandelli has already found a new gig.

The Italian was officially introduced as the manager of Turkish side Galatasaray on Monday, meaning he will assume the role of compatriot Roberto Mancini, whom the team parted ways with last month.

Per The Guardian, the club released the following statement on the hiring:

Galatasaray football team’s new coach, Cesare Prandelli, is coming to Istanbul this evening. Tomorrow morning at the Florya Metin Oktay [training] facilities, he will be introduced to the players and staff. Galatasaray will sign the deal tomorrow at 2 pm [local time] at the Turk Telekom Arena.

Prandelli, 56, had two years remaining on his contract with the Azzurri when he made the surprising announcement that he was relinquishing his role. 

After taking over from Marcello Lippi in 2010, Prandelli led Italy to an appearance in the final of Euro 2012, where they lost to Spain, before the underwhelming venture in Brazil this month.

Galatasaray are coming off a disappointing second place finish to rivals Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig, though they did claim the Turkish Cup while also qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League last season.