Rome, 2 Sept. (AKI) - Veteran coach Claudio Ranieri on Wednesday took up his new post as manager of one of Italy's top soccer teams, Roma, and held his first training session with players. His lawyer announced on Tuesday he would sign a two-year contract with the club replacing Luciano Spalletti, who resigned after Roma began the new 2009/2010 season with two defeats.

Ranieri began his playing career at Roma and was delighted to have been offered the chance to guide the 'Giallorossi' as Roma are called in Italy.

"This is a gratifying for me," he said. "I am honoured and convinced I will be able to do and give the best for Roma."

Earlier, fans cheered and applauded Spalletti, as he farewelled staff at the club and signed autographs.

Roma president Rosella Sensi accepted his resignation on Tuesday after Roma lost their opening game of the season 3-2 to Genoa, followed by a 3-1 home defeat by Juventus on Sunday, leaving them at the bottom of the league.

He had coached Roma since 2005, winning the Italian Cup and coming second in the Serie A in 2007 and 2008.

Ranieri, 57, who comes from the Giallorossi stronghold of Rome's Testaccio district, is a former Chelsea and Juventus chief.

He most recently managed Juventus, which he took to third in the Serie A league table in 2008 after they were demoted following a match-fixing scandal.

He was sacked from Juventus in May after a run of seven matches without a win.