Loaded to sting

Claudio Ranieri is back in the Premier League after being hired as Watford's new manager.

The former Chelsea boss, who led Leicester to the Premiership title in 2016, agreed to a two-year contract with the Hornets to replace Xisco Munoz.

"Watford is delighted to confirm the appointment of Claudio Ranieri as new head coach," the club announced. "The Italian arrives at Vicarage Road boasting a wealth of experience in charge of some of Europe's biggest clubs, with Premier League, Coppa Italia and Copa del Rey titles among his managerial highlights."

Ranieri, 69, who left Sampdoria at the end of last season, takes over with Watford in 15th place in the Premier League, with seven points from their first seven matches.

Xisco led Watford up from the Championship last season, but he was axed on Sunday after 10 months in charge.

Saturday's 1-0 loss at Leeds prompted owners the Pozzo family to act, with the club claiming a "negative trend" in performances led to Xisco's firing.

Ranieri is Watford's 13th permanent manager since the Pozzo family took control in 2012.

He boasts a wealth of experience, with clubs such as Napoli, Fiorentina, Valencia, Juventus, Roma, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid on his CV. He also established Chelsea as a Champions League club from 2000 to 2004 but was axed by Roman Abramovich to make way for Jose Mourinho.

His greatest triumph came when he masterminded Leicester's title success five years ago.

The Foxes were 5,000-1 outsiders and battled relegation the season before Ranieri arrived.

Despite Leicester's success he was sacked nine months later after a poor run left the club just clear of the relegation zone.

Ranieri last worked in the Premier League at Fulham in 2018-19. He lasted 106 days after being unable to steer Fulham from relegation trouble.

Watford's first match under Ranieri is at home against Liverpool on October 16.