ISTANBUL

Italian club Genoa named Patrick Vieira, a former French defensive midfielder, as their new coach on Wednesday.

"The new coach will lead the first training session after the formalization of the contract in the Villa Rostan headquarters this afternoon," Genoa said in a statement.

Vieira kicked off his coaching career with Manchester City's Under-23 team between 2013 and 2015. He has also managed New York City, Nice, Crystal Palace, and Strasbourg.

During his playing career, he lifted three Premier League titles with Arsenal and five Italian Serie A titles with AC Milan and Inter Milan.

The 48-year-old also helped France win the 1998 World Cup, 2000 European Championship, and 2001 Confederations Cup.

Genoa on Tuesday parted ways with coach Alberto Gilardino over poor results. They are currently ranked 17th with 10 points after 12 games.