The newly-promoted Premier League side sacked manager Xisco Munoz just seven games into the season on Sunday.
The Hornets started the season on a bright note, beating Aston Villa 3-2 at Vicarage Road but have since lost four times in the top flight.
Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Leeds United prompted the club’s hierarchy to make Munoz the first managerial casualty of the 2021/2022 season.
An official statement on Watford’s website read: “Watford FC is delighted to confirm the appointment of Claudio Ranieri as the club’s new Head Coach, on a two-year contract.”
“Ranieri will be joined at Watford by Assistant Coaches Paolo Benetti and Carlo Cornacchia, as well as Fitness Coach Carlo Spignoli. His first match in charge of the Hornets will be at home to Liverpool on Saturday October 16.”
“Welcome to Watford, Claudio!”
Ranieri has taken charge of a host of clubs in a storied managerial career that includes spells at Juventus, Chelsea, Valencia, Monaco, Fulham, Inter Milan, amongst others.
The 69-year-old Italian was named FIFA Coach of the year in 2016 after leading an unfancied Leicester City side to a fairytale Premier League title despite being odds on favorites for relegation at the start of the season.
Ranieri’s first game in charge of Watford will be against Liverpool on October 16 after the international break.
