Olympique de Marseille have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their coach.

“OM are delighted to announce the signing of the Italian coach for the next three seasons. The 45-year-old Brescia native already boasts a wealth of experience at the highest level,” read a statement on their website.

“Promoted to first team coach at just 34 years of age after a professional career as an attacking midfielder, Roberto De Zerbi quickly rose through the ranks in Italy, reaching Serie A before installing his ambitious style of play at Sassuolo in 2018.”

Speaking after being unveiled De Zerbi said: “I’m delighted to be joining Olympique de Marseille, as I had a very strong desire to join the club. The history and prestige that surround OM, the passion and fervour of its supporters, and the seriousness and enthusiasm shown to me by Frank, Pablo and Medhi were all decisive factors in my decision to embark on this exciting challenge.

“I can’t wait to sit on the bench at the Orange Velodrome, this time as OM coach, and help the club regain the position that Marseille deserves.”

After three seasons in Emilia-Romagna, during which the Neroverdi established themselves in the top third of the table, he joined Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer of 2021, leaving the club in a leading position after 18 matches when the adventure came to a premature end due to the geopolitical situation in Ukraine.

Renowned for his attacking philosophy and the winning nature of his teams, he signed for Brighton in 2022. In his first season in England, he helped the Seagulls to a 6th place finish in the Premier League, the best ever in the club’s history, before taking them all the way to the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 in 2023-24, Brighton’s first appearance in a European Cup.