Catania have confirmed the appointment of former Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone as their new coach.

The 40-year-old, who was last in charge of San Lorenzo in his homeland, takes over from Marco Giampaolo.

The Serie A club announced Simeone has signed a contract until June 2012.

Simeone played in Italy for Pisa, Inter Milan and Lazio, winning the title with the Rome club. He won over 100 caps for Argentina, playing at the 1994, 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups™.

He established himself as a top-level coach by guiding unfancied Estudiantes to the Apertura 2006 title in his homeland.

That earned him a chance at River Plate, where he won the Clausura 2008 before the club went into meltdown.

Catania lie 15th in Serie A, just three points above the relegation zone.