Di Francesco signs new contract with Roma

Di Francesco - who guided the Giallorossi to a third-place finish in Serie A and the semi-finals of the Champions League last season - has put pen-to-paper on an extension that sees him commit his future to the club until 30 June 2020.

“I am extremely pleased to be able to continue this adventure with Roma and our great fans,” Di Francesco said.

“The confidence that the president and the directors have always shown in me makes me very proud, and I hope to repay them all next season with a campaign even more exciting than our last.”

Di Francesco became head coach of Roma last June, returning to the club with whom he won the Serie A title during a four-year spell between 1997 and 2001.

The 48-year-old went on to enjoy a promising and successful first season at the Stadio Olimpico, guiding the club to its best performance in Europe in 34 years as they beat the likes of Chelsea, Shakhtar Donetsk and Barcelona on the way to the last four of the Champions League.

In domestic action, the former Sassuolo coach steered his side to an eventual third place finish – guaranteeing participation in the Champions League again next term.

“Last summer, when we appointed Eusebio, I went on record as saying that we wanted someone who could come in and get the very best out of our first team players and also help bring through some of our great young talent,” club president Jim Pallotta added.

“I think it’s clear that he achieved both those objectives in his first season here as coach. It’s important to have the continuity and stability that Eusebio brings to the project and the contract extension that he has signed today is testament to our belief in his abilities to take Roma forward.”

To date Di Francesco has overseen 51 matches as Roma boss – winning 29, drawing 10 and losing 12.

“Today’s renewal once again demonstrates the great confidence and belief we have always had in our coach,” sporting director Monchi said.

“We are all convinced that together we can aim for new heights and achieve our objectives.”