Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has been appointed head coach of Cesena FC, a side in Serie B, until the end of the season.
The 45-year-old, who earned 107 caps for England national football team, retired from professional football in 2019 after a spell with Derby County before moving into coaching.
Cole has previously served on the coaching staff at Derby County, Everton FC, Birmingham City FC, and with the England national team, but the Cesena job marks his first managerial role.
“The entire Cesena FC family is delighted to welcome manager Ashley Cole to lead the Bianconeri first team and warmly welcomes him and his staff to Cesena, wishing them every success in this new chapter,” the club said in a statement.
During his playing career, Cole won 13 domestic trophies, including three Premier League titles, seven FA Cup trophies, the EFL Cup, as well as both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
He joined AS Roma in 2014 after leaving Chelsea and made 16 appearances for the Italian side in Serie A.
Cesena currently sit eighth in Serie B after a difficult run of form, having failed to win any of their last seven matches, losing four and drawing three.