Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach on a long-term deal.
The club made the announcement on Tuesday as Spurs battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
De Zerbi is expected to lead the team in the final seven matches of the season, starting immediately.
Spurs are just one point above the relegation zone after a poor run of form.
Club sporting director Johan Lange said the club moved quickly to secure their top target.
“Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now,” Lange said.
“He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League.”
De Zerbi replaces Croatian coach Igor Tudor, who left after a short interim spell following the departure of Thomas Frank.
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The Italian previously managed Brighton & Hove Albion and Olympique de Marseille.
De Zerbi said the club’s ambition and urgency were clear in discussions with the board.
“In all my discussions with the club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters,” he said.
“Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season.”
He is known for his attacking and possession-based style of football.
Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola once described his Brighton team as “unique.”