Former Watford boss Gianfranco Zola has returned to management after being appointed as head coach of Italian side Cagliari.

The 48-year-old, who resigned from his post as Hornets head coach on December 16 last year, has today been confirmed as Zdenek Zeman's successor after the Czech left the Rossoblu yesterday.

Zola played for Cagliari between 2003 and 2005 and helped the Sardinian side win promotion from Serie 'B' back into Italy's top flight at the first attempt.

The Italian was appointed Hornets boss in July 2013 and oversaw 75 first-team matches, winning 33. The former Chelsea and Napoli attacker led the Golden Boys to the Championship play-off final in 2013 where they lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace after extra time.

Former Chelsea team mate Pierluigi Casiraghi will assist Zola at Stadio Saint'Elia.