Lazio appoint ex-Salernitana manager Davide Nicola

Lazio have named former Salernitana manager Davide Nicola as their new head coach on a deal until the end of the season

Nicola will take charge of his first game in charge of Lazio at Sampdoria on Monday 16 January

The 49-year-old Italian becomes the third different Lazio manager in the past 12 months, after Maurizio Sarri and Stefano Pioli both left the club in the past year.

Nicola has been out of work since he was sacked by Salernitana in October following a poor start to the season.

Lazio are currently ninth in Serie A, 12 points behind leaders Napoli.

They host Sampdoria in their first match after the winter break on Monday 16 January.

Nicola is a former defender who played for a number of clubs in Italy, including Genoa, Bari, and Udinese.

He began his coaching career with Lumezzane in 2005 and has since managed a number of clubs in Italy, including Livorno, Crotone, and Juventus.

Lazio's season so far

Lazio have had a mixed season so far, winning nine, drawing five, and losing seven of their 21 Serie A matches.

They are currently ninth in the table, 12 points behind leaders Napoli.

In Europe, they finished second in their Europa League group behind Feyenoord and will now face AZ Alkmaar in the knockout play-offs.

Nicola's task at Lazio

Nicola's task at Lazio will be to improve the team's league form and help them qualify for Europe next season.

They are currently nine points behind sixth-placed Atalanta, who occupy the final Europa League spot.

Nicola will also be looking to make an impact in the Europa League, where they face AZ Alkmaar in the knockout play-offs.