Watford have confirmed that Walter Mazzarri, as widely expected, has been appointed as their new head coach.

The 54-year-old former Inter Milan and Napoli boss will take over on a three-year deal at the Vicarage Road helm from July 1 in succession to Quique Sanchez Flores.

Hornets chief exceutive Scott Duxbury told the club's website: "Walter has been the target of a number of approaches for his services, so we're delighted to secure him as head coach here at Watford.

"We're thoroughly looking forward to working with such a highly-regarded coach, with the progress and development of the club always remaining the highest priority."

Mazzarri's move to English football was initially confirmed by his agent, Andrea D'Amico, last night.

A former midfielder, who enjoyed a 15-year playing career with more than ten clubs in his home country, Mazzarri's last managerial role was at Inter where he was dismissed in November 2014 with the team ninth in Serie A.

He has not been in a job since and has spent time living in England, learning the language, in a bid to earn a Premier League job.

Mazzarri led Napoli to their joint best finish in Italy since 1990 after taking them to second in Serie A in 2013. He also won the Coppa Italia one season earlier. 

The Italian achieved success at Livorno after taking them to promotion from Serie B and managed to keep Reggina in the top flight for three years in a row.

Mazzarri also led Sampdoria to the final of the Coppa Italia and helped them qualify for the UEFA Cup prior to joining Napoli. 

But the 54-year-old will be under pressure to succeed at Vicarage Road after Flores' tenure was ended after one season despite leading the club to 13th place in the Premier League and an FA Cup semi-final.