Alessio Dionisi's first words as Watford head coach

The Italian has been confirmed as Ed Still's replacement at Vicarage Road and - in a short social media statement - claims he is "highly motivated" by the role.

Dionisi has signed a two-year deal at Vicarage Road and has already held meetings with training ground staff ahead of pre-season later this summer.

The Italian said: "I'm highly motivated and can't wait to begin this new challenge with Watford Football Club.

"English football has always fascinated me and now I've got the opportunity to live and breathe it first hand."

🗣️ 🇮🇹 Our new Head Coach. pic.twitter.com/vLd9wt73f4

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) June 15, 2026

"It's fundamental the team has a clear identity and works towards displaying that in every game.

"From our first conversations the ownership and directors expressed their desire and ambition to target the upper echelons of the league. It won't be easy but we'll work towards that goal.

"We hope the fans will be proud of the work that we put in, as well as the team's performances."

Sporting director Gian Luca Nani has led the process to replace Still, initially holding talks with Niels Frederiksen before eventually appointing Dionisi.

Nani, who is now understood to be taking on a transfer consultant role away from the training ground, said: "Alessio has been on our radar for a long period and we are really pleased to have reached an agreement with him.

"We made it clear we were looking for an experienced coach who has won leagues and been promoted - and Alessio fits the profile. 

"He is an excellent coach, who we believe has the credentials to get the best out of the players we have in the squad and those we want to add.

"I know Alessio is really excited by the opportunity and we look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have here."

Dionisi won Serie B promotion with Empoli in 2020/21, before succeeding Roberto De Zerbi at Sassuolo in Serie A for the best part of three seasons.