Brighton & Hove Albion appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach on a four-year contract following the departure of Graham Potter to Chelsea.

The 43-year-old Italian was most recently coaching Shakhtar Donetsk, leading them to the Ukrainian Super Cup triumph last year, before departing the club due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

His previous managerial stints included at Sassuolo, where he guided them to successive top-half finishes in Serie A.

"I am absolutely thrilled Roberto has agreed to become our new head coach. Roberto's teams play an exciting and courageous brand of football, and I am confident his style and tactical approach will suit our existing squad superbly," said Brighton chairman Tony Bloom.

Brighton technical director David Weir added: "Roberto has shown his undoubted ability with his work in Italy and Ukraine, and what he achieved at Sassuolo certainly stands out.

"We look forward to providing all the support he needs to introduce his coaching philosophy and help the players continue their brilliant start to the season."

De Zerbi begins his Seagulls tenure against Liverpool after the international break.