Roberto Mancini has been confirmed as the new head coach of Zenit St Petersburg, ruling out a return to the Premier League for the former Manchester City manager.
The 52-year-old was favourite for the Crystal Palace job with bookmakers recently but the Russian side swooped.
Zenit wasted no time, appointing the 52-year-old Italian less than a week after sacking Mircea Lucescu. He has signed a three-year contract with the option of a further two years.
Mancini, who was a free agent, won the Premier League title with City in 2012 and was a popular candidate with Palace fans.