The Italian tactician, best known for his spells with Italian outfits Inter Milan and Udinese, is relishing the opportunity to manage the Iranian outfit.

Esteghlal suspended German coach Winfried Schäfer in April following the club’s poor run of form and was replaced by his assistant and fan favourite Farhad Majidi, a former striker, till the end of the season.

The eight-time Iran Pro League champions finished third in the 2018-19 season, with Sepahan second and arch-rivals Persepolis completing a hat-trick of league titles.

Esteghlal failed to book a place at the 2019 AFC Champions League Round of 16 but will take their place in the 2020 edition

Sources: Esteghlal FC, AFP