Carlo Recalcati’s bronze-medal winning heroics as the Azzurri boss at the European Championships have landed him a new job in the Italian top flight.

Montepaschi Siena have signed the 58-year-old coach to a two-year contract and allowed him to remain in charge of Italy, which means he will oversee their preparations for next summer’s Olympic Games and then coach them in Athens.

Coach Carlo Recalcati praised Italy for the fighting spirit of their bronze medal-winning performance at the European Championships.

The Italians secured the third spot and a ticket to the Athens Olympics with a 69-67 upset of France in Stockholm.