WEST HAM Women have appointed Rita Guarino as head coach following the sacking of Rehanne Skinner last week.

The 54-year-old Italian, who has signed an 18-month contract, will begin her tenure away to Women’s Super League defending champions Chelsea on January 11.

Skinner was dismissed after only one win and five points from 11 WSL matches this season left the club second-bottom of the table.

Former striker Guarino, who won 99 international caps during her playing career, was most recently in charge of Inter Milan, having previously led Juventus to four-successive Serie A titles and coached Italy Under-17s.

“I’m proud to be here and I’m looking forward to the chapter ahead in the best league in the world,” Guarino, who will be assisted by Steve Kirby, told West Ham TV.

“I’m really excited by the project here. There is a lot of talent and experience in the team and I want to support the girls to develop as individuals but also as a collective.”