16.06.2014 11:49 h

Japan's Cerezo name Pezzaiuoli as new manager

Marco Pezzaiuoli
Marco Pezzaiuoli

Japan's Cerezo Osaka have named Italian Marco Pezzaiuoli as their new manager after sacking Ranko Popovic last week, officials of the J-League club said on Monday.

The German-born Pezzaiuoli, 45, is best known for a brief spell in charge of Bundesliga side 1899 Hoffenheim in 2011.

"I know all about the high quality of Japanese football," Pezzaiuoli said in a statement.

"I'm very excited to join such a treasure trove of a club as Cerezo and hope I can lift the team's spirits."

Two of Cerezo's squad, Yoichiro Kakitani and Hotaru Yamaguchi, are currently on World Cup duty with Japan in Brazil.

The Osaka side also boasts big-name Uruguay striker Diego Forlan but struggled under Popovic.

The Serb was axed midway through his first season, with Cerezo languishing in 13th in the Japanese first division.