Former Argentina international Diego Simeone has been named the new Catania coach.
But on Tuesday night the Sicilian side parted company with Giampaolo by mutual consent and Simeone has swiftly been installed as his successor.
The 40-year-old, who won 106 caps and finished his playing career in 2006, has signed an 18-month contract with Catania.
He spent six years as a player in Italy with Inter Milan and Lazio but this represents his first coaching job outside his homeland having previously led Racing Club, Estudiantes, River Plate and San Lorenzo.
"Catania Calcio can announce they have assigned technical management of the first team to Diego Pablo Simeone, who is bounded with a contract until June 30, 2012," read a statement on the club's official website.
"The new coach and the men of his staff will be officially unveiled to press today (Wednesday)."
Simeone has been without a job since April, when he left San Lorenzo after a year in charge.
Catania sit 15th in Serie A, only three points above the relegation zone after losing four of their last six games.
