Semak succeeds Mancini as Zenit head coach

Zenit had been linked with Maurizio Sarri but they have appointed Sergei Semak instead, the Russian signing a two-year contract.

Sergei Semak has been named as the new head coach of Zenit on a two-year deal.

The former Russia international has signed a contract that includes the option of a further year.

Semak succeeds Roberto Mancini, who left to take over as Italy head coach this month.

The 42-year-old, who finished his playing career with Zenit in 2013 after winning two league titles with the club, had been head coach of Ufa since December 2016.

Zenit had also been linked with Maurizio Sarri, who is poised to leave Napoli following their announcement that Carlo Ancelotti will take over as coach for 2018-19.

It is reported Sarri rejected Zenit's advances as he would prefer to move to England's top flight, with Chelsea said to be keen to appoint him as replacement for Antonio Conte.