Brighton appoint Roberto De Zerbi as manager to replace Graham Potter

The 43-year-old Italian manager has signed a four-year deal with the English club. De Zerbi has been out of work since July after he decided to leave

because of the war in Ukraine.

De Zerbi started his coaching career at Serie D amateurs with Darfo Boario. He later managed Foggia, Palermo, and Benevento. De Zerbi was appointed manager of Sassuolo in 2018. He led the club to two consecutive eighth-place spots in Serie A. De Zerbi joined Shakhtar in 2021 and won the Ukrainian Super Cup but his first season was cut short due to War in Ukraine.

Albion chairman Tony Bloom told the club's official website:

"I am absolutely thrilled Roberto has agreed to become our new head coach.

"Roberto's teams play an exciting and courageous brand of football, and I am confident his style and tactical approach will suit our existing squad superbly.”

currently is in fourth place in the Premier League table with 13 points after six matches. De Zebra’s first game in charge will be against

at Anfield on October 1.

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber said:

"We looked at a range of excellent candidates but Roberto was our number one choice from the start and the only person we spoke to.  

"It's no secret our chairman is constantly monitoring potential coaches, both here in our domestic leagues, throughout Europe and across the world as part of our succession planning work.

"We feel Roberto is the ideal cultural and technical fit for Brighton and Hove Albion, and the right person to continue the club's progress and work with this outstanding group of players."

Follow 

  for the