Malesani replaces Colomba at Bologna

Bologna FC have appointed Alberto Malesani as coach in place of Franco Colomba, who was sacked on the eve of the club's opening Serie A game of the season.

Malesani has been out of work since leaving relegated AC Siena at the end of last term. The 56-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the Rossoblù, who drew 0-0 against FC Internazionale Milano on Monday with youth team coach Paolo Magnani at the helm.

Malesani made his name at AC Chievo Verona in the early 1990s before joining ACF Fiorentina and Parma FC, with whom he won a Coppa Italia, the Italian Super Cup and the 1999 UEFA Cup. "I had the chance to coach Bologna a few times during my career but it never happened," said Malesani, who had a spell in charge of Panathinaikos FC in 2005/06. "I'm very happy to be able to do it now as this is a very prestigious club."

Bologna have also completed the signing of 30-year-old midfielder Diego Pérez from AS Monaco FC on a three-year contract.