Simeone takes Catania job

Catania have confirmed the appointment of former Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone as their new coach.

The 40-year-old, who was last in charge of San Lorenzo in his homeland, takes over from Marco Giampaolo.

The Serie A club announced Simeone has signed a contract until June 2012.

Simeone played in Italy for Pisa, Inter Milan and Lazio, winning the title with the Rome club.

He won over 100 caps for Argentina, playing at the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cups.

He was involved in the infamous incident during the second-round match between England and Argentina at the 1998 tournament in France which saw David Beckham sent off.

He established himself as a top-level coach by guiding unfancied Estudiantes to the 2006 Apertura title in his homeland. That earned him a chance at River Plate, where he won the 2008 Clausura before the club went into meltdown.

Catania lie 15th in Serie A, just three points above the relegation zone.