Serie A outfit Palermo have announced Stefano Pioli as their new coach after the 45-year-old inked a two-year deal with the Sicilian club.Piolo replaces Delio Rossi, who departed the club on Wednesday for the second time this season.

Rossi was sacked in February and replaced by Serse Cosmi after an indifferent run of form, but was reinstated in April.

His second stint was ended this week despite leading Palermo to the Coppa Italia final - where they were beaten 3-1 by Inter Milan - and a place in the Europa League next season.

"Stefano Pioli is the new Palermo coach. He has signed a two-year contract with president Maurizio Zamparini's club and there is an option for the third," a club statement said on Thursday.

Pioli guided Chievo to 11th position in Serie A last season, and had been linked with the Roma coaching position after leaving his post at the Verona club.