The Italian great will command the touchline for the expansion side starting in 2016

Miami FC, Miami’s sole professional soccer team, announced Monday the appointment of the Italian star Alessandro Nesta as the team’s head coach. Nesta, who is widely considered one of the greatest central defenders in the history of the game, brings his experience and leadership to Miami FC. The team will begin to play in the North American Soccer League’s 2016 Spring Season.

“We are incredibly thrilled to bring Alessandro on board with Miami FC,” said Paolo Maldini, Miami FC co-owner and a former player for A.C. Milan and Italy’s national team. “As a former teammate and personal friend of Alessandro, I have a great amount of respect for his talent and believe that he will bring out the best in our players.”

Nesta, 39, had an impressive playing career, which began with his debut in Italy’s Serie A in 1994 with the Rome club Lazio. He was named the Serie A defender of the year four times and was selected to UEFA’s Team of the Year four times while making more than 400 appearances in Serie A, for Lazio and A.C. Milan. As part of FIFA’s 100th anniversary in 2004, Nesta was named to the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living players, a roster that was chosen by Pelé. He played 78 times for Italy’s national team and in 2006 raised the World Cup trophy as the Azzurri won the championship in Germany. He played in three World Cups, three European Championships, and the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

“I’m happy to say I’ve reached another exciting chapter in my career,” Nesta said. "I’m privileged to be allowed the opportunity to help establish Miami FC and bring it to the forefront of the NASL.”

The creation of Miami FC was announced earlier this year with Maldini and the sports and media entrepreneur Riccardo Silva as the club’s co-owners. The mission of Miami FC is to connect with the city’s diverse communities through the global language of soccer.

With the addition of Nesta, Miami FC continues to take shape as Maldini assembles the club’s technical staff and roster.