Watford have named Alessio Dionisi as their new head coach on a two-year contract, replacing Ed Still who departed on 3 May. Still's tenure ended after a 4-0 defeat to Coventry City capped a disappointing campaign that saw the Hornets finish 16th in the Championship, 16 points shy of the play-off positions.

Dionisi arrives from a difficult spell at Empoli, where he was dismissed in March following just five wins in 22 matches. Despite his sacking, Watford have agreed a deal with the Serie B club for his services, ending his gardening leave period that was set to run until late 2027. This appointment represents his first managerial role outside of Italy.

Sporting director Gianluca Nani emphasized the club's search for proven promotion experience. "We were looking for an experienced coach who has won leagues and been promoted - and Alessio fits the profile," Nani explained. The Pozzo family's ongoing rebuild sees Dionisi become Watford's 12th permanent head coach since the 2020-21 season.

Dionisi will be joined by Luca Vigiani, returning to Vicarage Road after working under Walter Mazzarri in 2016-17, plus fitness coach Fabio Spighi. With this his 10th managerial position across 12 years, he must quickly restore stability to a club that has grown accustomed to frequent managerial changes.