Dundalk have confirmed the appointment of Filippo Giovagnoli as their new interim head coach.
The Italian takes the reins at Oriel Park following last week's departure of Vinny Perth.
The 49-year old has spent the past five-years as director of coaching at the New York City FC-affiliated Metropolitan Oval Academy.
He took training for the first time on Tuesday, ahead of Sunday's FAI Cup second round tie away to Cobh Ramblers.
Giovagnoli will be assisted by fellow Apecchio native Giuseppe Rossi (not to be confused with the former Manchester United and Fiorentina striker).
"It’s my first experience at this level but if you know football and know what you are doing, which I believe I do, then for me it’s just a different challenge," the Italian told Dundalk FC TV.
"I am confident we are going to do a good job."
Giovagnoli was asked if he understood some fans' concerns at his appointment, and the manner in which it has come about.
"Of course I understand," he replied, "and they should be concerned. They should be, because they are right.
"You have also to understand that there are so many coaches around the world that are really good, but they don't have opportunity.
"And I can tell you, what I do when I have free time I go to watch high-level coaches, go everywhere and every different level.
"And you're not going to see genius, right? They are people that they work, and I think that a coach that has the passion, has the willing to learn, and he knows what he's doing - you can coach even a high level like that.
"I am not afraid to do that. I am so excited, and I'm really confident that we're going to do a good job".
Dundalk's announcement of Giovagnoli as head coach made no mention of the departure of John Gill.
The former first-team coach ended his relationship with the Lilywhites on Tuesday, saying he was left with no other choice.
Dundalk chairman Bill Hulsizer said, "On behalf of the board of the directors, I’d like to welcome Filippo and Guiseppe (sic) to Ireland.
"I apologise for the lack of a personal appearance but it took a pandemic and a quarantine to prevent a member of the board presenting them personally. C’mon The Town!"
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