VIENNA, July 25 (National Team) - Former Czech Republic boss Karel Bruckner has been appointed as the new coach of Austria.

The 68-year-old stood down from his post with Czech Republic after Euro 2008 and has since been replaced by Petr Rada.

Bruckner replaces Josef Hickersberger who led co-hosts Austria at the tournament, claiming just one point courtesy of a draw against Poland. Hickersberger resigned after the tournament.

The new coach will have less than a month to wait before taking charge of his team for the first time.

Austria face world champions Italy in a friendly in Nice on August 20 before their World Cup qualifying campaign begins against France in Vienna on September 6.