Stefano Pioli has been confirmed as Inter Milan's new coach on a contract that runs until 2018.

Pioli, 51, had been seen as the favourite to take over at the San Siro ever since Frank de Boer was sacked last week after less than three months in charge, and his appointment was announced on Tuesday.

Former Palermo, Bologna and Lazio coach Pioli beat off competition from Marcelino and Gianfranco Zola after the trio were all interviewed at the weekend, and he was on Monday invited to the office of Inter's legal team to sign his contract. He was only able to do that after officially rescinding his contract with Lazio.