Watford have confirmed the signing of Alessio Dionisi as their new head coach, tying him down to a two-year deal at Vicarage Road.

The 46-year-old Italian arrives to replace Ed Still, who was dismissed on 3 May after spending fewer than three months at the helm. Still's tenure ended on a low note — a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Coventry City — as Watford closed out the Championship season in 16th place, a full 16 points short of the play-off positions.

A well-travelled managerial carousel

Dionisi becomes Watford's 12th head coach — excluding interim appointments — since the conclusion of the 2020-21 campaign, and the 24th since the Pozzo family assumed control of the club in 2012. The revolving door in the Hertfordshire dugout shows no sign of slowing.

His most recent role ended abruptly in March, when Serie B side Empoli parted ways with him after just five months. Dionisi managed only five wins from 22 matches during his time at the Tuscan club. Despite losing his job, he remained on Empoli's books — a customary arrangement in Italian football — with a contract that had been due to run close to the end of 2027.

Watford subsequently negotiated a settlement with Empoli to free Dionisi from his remaining obligations, paving the way for his appointment in England.