Brighton have appointed Robert De Zerbi as their new manager.

The former Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk coach has penned a four-year contract at the Amex Stadium, subject to a work permit.

He was Brighton's first choice to replace Graham Potter, who quit to replace Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea this month.

"I am absolutely thrilled Roberto has agreed to become our new head coach," said Brighton chairman Tony Bloom.

"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."

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

"In his short spell with Shakhtar he enjoyed further success, leading the club to cup success and topping the Ukrainian league before the war brought an abrupt halt to his time there."