Rome  - Napoli have hired former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni to replace Edy Reja after a dismal run in the Italian Serie A, local media reported on Wednesday.

Napoli signed Donadoni, 45, until 2011. He was due to be presented Wednesday at the team's camp in Castelvolturno.

Reja, 63, was dismissed late Tuesday as Napoli notched only two points in the last nine games after a good start into the season. They are still 11 points above the relegation zone with 11 games left in the season, but had to bury initial hopes for a place in Europe.

Donadoni's last job was a two-year stint at the helm of Italy's national team. He left the world champion Azzurri last summer after a Euro 2008 quarter-final defeat against later champions Spain.

Earlier this week, struggling Lecce hired Luigi De Canio to replace Mario Beretta. Palermo, Bologna, Chievo, Torino and Reggina (twice) have also changed coaches during the season. (dpa)