Roma hand reins to Del Neri

Del Neri delighted
"I am looking forward to starting work and I will give Roma all my enthusiasm," said Del Neri, who has reportedly signed a two-year contract. "Every coach hopes to work with a top club and Roma are surely one of them. There've been some problems but the quality of the squad is unquestionable. There are many proven performers and several promising young players. I'm very happy to be here."

Völler departure
Roma assistant coach Ezio Sella had been in charge of the side for last night's Group B defeat in the UEFA Champions League. He replaced Rudi Völler last Sunday when the German resigned after less than a month at the helm. Del Neri becomes the Giallorossi's fourth coach since Fabio Capello stood down in May. Völler himself took over from Cesare Prandelli, who had to quit because of family problems just before the Serie A kick-off.

Only one win
Roma have won only one of four Serie A games this season and lost both their Champions League outings. The Madrid reverse followed their home opener against FC Dynamo Kyiv, which was abandoned at half-time after referee Anders Frisk was struck by an object thrown from the crowd. Dynamo were subsequently awarded a 3-0 victory.

Porto spell
The 54-year-old former AC Chievo Verona coach, Del Neri also had a turbulent summer after signing for European champions FC Porto in June. He left that job just two months later for "personal reasons", without leading them in a competitive match.