Parma have named former Ajax, Roma and inter centre-back Cristian Chivu as their new manager.

The former Romania international, 44, replaces Fabio Pecchia who had been in charge since 2022 and led Parma to promotion from Serie B at the end of last season.

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Chivu previously coached youth teams at Inter Milan, the club where he finished his playing career, between 2018 and 2024.

Parma parted ways with Pecchia on Monday after a fourth consecutive defeat kept the club in the relegation zone.

“Chivu, alongside his staff made up of Antonio Gagliardi (assistant manager), Angelo Palombo (technical assistant) and Nicola Pavarini (goalkeeper coach), will begin training with the team as of this afternoon at the Mutti Training Center,” Parma said in a statement.

Chivu’s first game in charge will be a home match against Bologna on Sunday. Parma are 18th in Serie A on 20 points after 25 games, but are only one point off Empoli in 17th, outside the relegation places.