Relegation-threatened Sassuolo on Wednesday appointed Alberto Malesani as their new coach after former AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi turned down the job.

The Serie A newcomers, who sit third from bottom of the table, fired coach Eusebio Di Francesco on Tuesday.

Inzaghi, who currently coaches Milan's youth squad, was offered the post but said Wednesday: "I'm flattered and honoured that Sassuolo, an ambitious club with clear and innovative ideas, considered me for the position.

"But I have to satisfy and respect Milan's wishes for me to remain with the club as their youth coach."

Malesani, a former coach of Parma and Fiorentina, took his first training session on Wednesday afternoon and is set to be unveiled by the Emilia-Romagna based club on Thursday.

No details of the length of Malesani's contract were released.

A brief statement by the club said: "Sassuolo would like to announce the first team squad will be coached by Alberto Malesani. He will take over in time for a training session this afternoon."

Malesani's last coaching appointment ended in relative disaster, his spell with Palermo -- a club known for its trigger-happy president Maurizio Zamparini -- ending after just three games in charge last February.

The 59-year-old is notable, however, for steering Parma to an Italian Cup and UEFA Cup double triumph in 1999.

Last season Di Francesco steered Sassuolo into Italy's top flight for the first time in their history.

Having suffered a 7-0 hammering at home by Inter Milan at the start of the season, Sassuolo's battle to stave off relegation was boosted two weeks ago with a stunning 4-3 win over seven-time European champions AC Milan.

However Sunday's 3-1 defeat at fellow strugglers Livorno was enough to make Di Francesco the 10th coaching change of the season in Italy's top flight.