Giovanni Tedesco has been named as the new coach of Birkirkara FC.
The Premier League club announced on their website that they had reached an agreement with Tedesco to lead their senior team.
Times of Malta had reported last month that Tedesco, who enjoyed a successful playing career in Italy’s Serie A, could become a target for Birkirkara if the latter decided to end their association with Zammit who had another year left on his contract.
This scenario has materialised as Tedesco, who last season coached another Premier League side Floriana FC, will take over from Zammit.
Zammit left by mutual agreement only six days after leading the Stripes to success in the FA Trophy after they beat Hibernians 2-0 in the final.
Zammit is now being strongly linked with a return to Valletta FC who last week decided not to renew the contract of coach Ivan Zammit.
Tedesco’s appointment means that Birkirkara could engage former Italy and Juventus striker Fabrizio Miccoli as one of their foreign players this summer.
Miccoli, 35, was at the National Stadium on May 23 for the FA Trophy final and told reporters he was evaluating his options including the possibility of joining the Stripes next season.
Miccoli, who last played for Lecce but also had stints with Palermo, Fiorentina and Benfica, added he was enjoying a break from football after coming from ‘a particular season’.
Meanwhile, Tedesco is expected to cut his holidays in Italy short as he is expected to return to Malta today and sign the paperwork in his contract at Birkirkara FC.
Tedesco was born in Sicily and played for different Serie A sides, including Genoa and Palermo, before hanging up his boots in 2010.
Last week, Birkirkara FC elected a new committee with Adrian Delia taking over from former president Joe Zammit at the helm of the club.
“Let us work together every day, from today, without stopping,” Dr Delia told the fans in a message on the club’s official website.
“Our challenges are big and the journey is long but with great will and big heart, together we show that we are not only a squad, not a only a team but a town not only big in numbers but also in heart.
“Together we show we are Birkirkara because we are together and united.”