Walter Mazzarri to replace Quique Sanchez as Watford head coach on three-year deal

Premier League side Watford have announced that Walter Mazzarri will become their new head coach from July 1.

The former Sampdoria, Napoli and Inter Milan boss, 54, will succeed Quique Sanchez Flores after signing a three-year deal at Vicarage Road.

Mazzarri becomes the Hornets’ eight manager in just four years, with Flores departing London this summer after guiding Watford to a 13th place finish in the English top-flight in his only season in charge.

Mazzarri has been out of work since leaving Inter Milan in November 2014 – Photo: Offside / IPP.

The club’s chief executive Scott Duxbury told Watford’s official website: “Walter has been the target of a number of approaches for his services, so we’re delighted to secure him as Head Coach here at Watford.

“We’re thoroughly looking forward to working with such a highly-regarded coach, with the progress and development of the club always remaining the highest priority.”

A former midfielder in his playing days, Mazzarri won the Coppa Italia with Napoli in 2012 as coach before guiding the Blues to a second place finish in Serie A the following campaign.

But after joining Inter on a two-year deal back in May 2013, he could only guide the club to fifth in the Italian top-flight in his first season, and has been out of work since leaving the San Siro in November 2014 after being sacked with his side sitting ninth in the standings.

Spaniard Flores departs Watford after guiding the Hornets to 13th spot in the Premier League this campaign – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.