Genoa are by now close on signing Roma icon and former world champion Daniele De Rossi as their new head coach. The official announce from club seems keen to come in next hours and during the day the signature looks likely.

The move comes as a replacement for Patrick Vieira, who was recently sacked following a disappointing run of form that has left the team bottom of the Serie A table.

According to specialized press, De Rossi was at the top of the Grifons' wish list. The former Roma boss was due yesterday to meet with Genoa's management in Milan, to finalise the details of the deal.

De Rossi has had previous coaching stints, including time at SPAL and a brief spell at his beloved Roma, where he also worked with Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk.