Soccer:Fabio Capello has been appointed as Russia's new coach today. There had been much speculation the former England boss was among the favourites for the vacant job and a Russian Football Union spokesman confirmed that he has signed a two-year deal.

The Italian succeeds Dick Advocaat, who took charge of Eredivisie outfit PSV Eindhoven after Russia were eliminated in the group stages of Euro 2012.

Capello, who resigned as England manager in February, was earlier this month on a shortlist of 13 candidates for the job, with Harry Redknapp and former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola also mentioned by the RFU.

But speculation has grown since that the 66-year-old was their man and he is now set to complete the formalities, with a press conference scheduled for this afternoon. The RFU will hope Capello will prosper after Russia started promisingly at the European Championship, by beating Czech Republic 4-1, before being eliminated after a draw with co-hosts Poland and a defeat to Greece.