Ranieri, who led Leicester to the Premier League title in 2016, reached a two-year deal with the Hornets to replace the sacked Xisco Munoz.
“Watford FC are delighted to confirm the appointment of Claudio Ranieri as the club’s new head coach on a two-year contract,” said the club’s website.
🤝 Watford FC is proud to confirm the appointment of Claudio Ranieri as the club’s new head coach. Welcome to Watford, Claudio! 💛
– Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) 1633363297000
Ranieri takes 15th place in the Premier League with Watford after collecting seven points in their first seven games.
The 69-year-old Italian left Sampdoria late last season and has wanted to return to the game ever since.
Xisco had led Watford to promotion from the championship last season, but he was struck down on Sunday after just 10 months in office.
The 1-0 defeat in Leeds on Saturday prompted Watford’s owners, the Pozzo family, to act. The club claimed a “negative trend” in performance convinced them to leave Xisco.
Former Chelsea manager Ranieri has become Watford’s 13th permanent coach since the Pozzo family took control of the club in 2012.
He has a wealth of experience, with clubs like Napoli, Fiorentina, Valencia, Juventus, Roma, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid also on his résumé.
Ranieri last worked in 2018/19 during a short stay at Fulham in the Premier League.
Watford’s first game with Ranieri will be played against Liverpool on Vicarage Road on October 16.
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