Pezzaiuoli takes the helm at Hoffenheim

Marco Pezzaiuoli has been unveiled as TSG 1899 Hoffenheim's permanent coach after signing a new contract that ties him to the Bundesliga club until summer 2013.

Pezzaiuoli, the former Germany Under-17 trainer, was promoted from his role as assistant coach in January following the departure of Ralf Rangnick, and has impressed sufficiently to be offered the position on a full-time basis.

"We are fully convinced in Marco Pezzaiuoli," said Hoffenheim general manager Ernst Tanner. "Having agreed on the details several days ago, we are now happy to formally sign the contract and wish him further luck and success with 1899 Hoffenheim."

The 42-year-old, whose tenure has garnered four points from three Bundesliga matches and a German Cup quarter-final defeat by second-tier FC Energie Cottbus, said: "Even though it was just a matter of formality, we had to find the time to come around a table. I am now looking forward to the future. From now on, we can focus our energy on the challenges ahead."