AS Roma have confirmed that Claudio Ranieri has been appointed as head coach following Eusebio Di Francesco's dismissal. 

The Italian boss will take charge of the club until 30 June 2019 and the announcement sees him return for a second spell in Rome, where he was also manager between 2009 and 2011. 

"I’m delighted to be coming back home," Ranieri said, responding to the news on Roma's official website.

"When Roma call you, it’s impossible to say no."

The decision to appoint Ranieri may come as quite a surprise to some fans, especially given how he ended his tenure at Fulham less than 10 days ago. 

He was only installed as manager of the Cottagers last November, taking over from Slavisa Jokanovic, who had struggled to adapt the team to life in the Premier League. 

Despite making the perfect start with a dramatic 3-2 win against Southampton, the Italian tactician only went on to lead Fulham to three wins from 17 matches. 

His time in west London wasn't a complete disaster though, given that he's lifted the Whites off the bottom of the table. 

However, relegation back to the Championship is still a serious threat, as Ranieri left Fulham 10 points adrift of safety. 

But, Roma should know what to expect from him despite a disappointing spell in London. 

The 67-year-old took charge at the Stadio Olimpico in September 2009 and lasted for one and a half seasons. 

During his first year, the club were genuine title challengers but surrendered Serie A, and the Italian Cup final to Inter Milan, who eventually won the treble that year.

For the remainder of this season though, Ranieri will have quite a different target. 

He'll be aiming to lift Roma from fifth in the table and will be hoping to bring them back into contention for Champions League qualification next season, after the club were knocked out of this season's competition by Porto on Wednesday.