Palermo coach following the departure of Davide Ballardini.
The Rosanero have collected one point from their opening two games this term and made eight coaching changes across the course of last season, however club chairman Maurizio Zamparini has wanted another fresh start.
As announced on the club’s official website, Palermo have hired former Foggia boss De Zerbi, although no contract details were revealed.
The 37-year-old only retired from playing professional football in 2013, and was an attacking midfielder for the likes of AC Milan and Napoli during his 15-year long career.
He then took up a coaching job at Serie D side Darfo Boario before moving to Foggia, who he led to victory in the Lega Pro Coppa Italia.
