Italian Fabio Capello is confirmed to be the new Russian football team's head coach, the Russian Football Union said Monday.

      The 66-year-old Italian was one of a dozen high-profile candidates for the post, which was vacated after coach Dick Advocaat’s exodus to PSV Eindhoven following Russia's humiliating Euro 2012 group stage exit. Besides Cappello, there were such candidates as ex-Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp and ex-Inter Milan and Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

      Capello is one of the most respected coaches on the planet after winning five Serie A titles with AC Milan, Roma and Juventus, as well as two Spanish crowns with Real Madrid and the UEFA Champions League with AC Milan.

      Fabio Capello has told the press he would be very happy and proud to take this job. "I am happy, if contract negotiations go well as I believe they will, it will be a wonderful adventure, as Russia is a great country," the Italian told the ANSA news agency.

      Capello and RFU still have to decide on the contract. Some sources say that the Italian coach will be offered a two-year deal, which will allow him to go through the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

      If everything is concluded, Capello will lead his first game as the Russia's head coach on August 15, friendly against the Ivory Coast in Moscow. 

Sources: Lenta.ru RIA Novosti RT Image: dni.ru