Ashley Cole took over Cesena for his first job as a head coach Sunday.
The 45-year-old's contract runs only until the end of the season, but there's an option to renew "upon the fulfillment of certain conditions," the Serie B club said.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea left-back succeeds Michele Mignani in northern Italy. Mignani was dismissed following Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Frosinone.
Cesena are eighth in Italy's second tier but could drop to ninth by the end of the weekend.
Cole was part of Frank Lampard's coaching staff at Derby County, Chelsea, and Everton, and he's worked with England's Under-21 and senior teams. He also served as a first-team coach at Birmingham City.
The 107-time England international won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and many other major honors over his spells with Arsenal and Chelsea. He represented Roma, the LA Galaxy, and Derby later in his playing career.
