RANIERI APPOINTED AS THE NEW OF GREECE

Former coach of Monaco, Claudio Ranieri has been appointed as the new coach of Greece, the Greek Football Federation has announced.

Claudio Ranieri appointed as the new coach of Greece

The 62-year-old Italian takes over from Fernando Santos, whose contract expired following the 2014 FIFA World Cup, in which he guided Greece to the Round of 16.

Ranieri has been handed a two-year deal and his main focus will now be steering Greece to UEFA EURO 2016.

"Claudio Ranieri signed a two-year contract with the Greek Football Federation and is the new coach of the national team," read a statement on the federation's website. 

"The Italian coach, with service at many major European clubs, is expected to lead our group to new successes with EURO 2016 on the horizon."

Ranieri's first match in charge will be a EURO qualifier against Romania on 7 September, with Northern Ireland, Hungary, Finland and Faroe Islands also providing the competition in Group F.

Ranieri has been out of work since his sacking by Monaco in May after two seasons in the principality.

Ranieri made his name in his native Italy, winning the Coppa Italia with Fiorentina before moving to Valencia, with whom he won the Copa del Rey and the Intertoto Cup.

Four seasons at Chelsea followed before a brief return to Valencia and spells at Parma, Juventus, Roma and Inter Milan.