Rome  - Ciro Ferrara was confirmed for the next two years at the helm of Serie A giants Juventus after coaching them in the last two games of the season, the club's web site reported Friday.

Ferrara, 42, replaced Claudio Ranieri on May 18 and with two straight wins steered the Turin side to secure second place and direct access to next season's Champions League.

After retiring from played football in 2005, he coached Juve's youth team and was assistant to Italy's world champion coach Marcello Lippi.

In his 11 seasons as Juve defender, he won six Serie A titles, one Champions League and one Intercontinental Cup. (dpa)