MEDELLIN, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Former Peru and Qatar coach Paulo Autuori was named as the new manager of Colombian club Atletico Nacional on Friday.

The 62-year-old took the reins from Hernan Dario Herrera, who had filled the role on an interim basis following the August resignation of Argentine Jorge Almiron.

The announcement came less than a day after Nacional secured a place in next year's Copa Libertadores by beating Once Caldas in the Copa Colombia final.

"We welcome Paulo Autuori on what is a very happy day for the club," the Medellin outfit said in a brief statement.

Autuori, who guided Sao Paulo to the Copa Libertadores-FIFA Club World Cup double in 2005, has worked in Brazil, Portugal, Japan and Qatar during a distinguished 43-year managerial career, which began when he was a teenager.

Nacional are currently seventh in Colombia's Clausura first division standings.