The East Europeans have been seeking a new head coach since Dick Advocaat stepped down from the role following a poor Euro 2012 campaign, in which the team won just one of their three group games to finish below Greece and Czech Republic and exit at the first hurdle.

The Russian FA had drawn up a short list that included former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp and ex-Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.

Capello, who boasted an impressive 67 percent win rate while in charge of England, resigned from the role in February after a dispute with the FA over John Terry being stripped of the captaincy.

The role with Russia will be the Italian's eighth managerial job after stints with European giants AC Milan, Real Madrid and Juventus.

Russia will play their first World Cup 2014 qualifier on September 7 when they face Northern Ireland.