Crawley have confirmed Gabriele Cioffi as their new head coach.

He is being introduced to the media today at the Broadfield Stadium on his 43rd birthday.

Cioffi, who has a three-year contract, will have a watching brief tomorrow as stand-ins Jimmy Smith and Filipe Morais take charge away to League Two leaders Lincoln.

The Italian played as a defender for a host of clubs, including Torino and Ascoli.

He was part of Gianfranco Zola’s coaching team at Birmingham City.