Fiorentina

Fiorentina appoint former captain Stefano Pioli as new manager

By Giuseppe Labellarte, ReporterPublished: 07 June 2017 9:07 PM

Fiorentina announce the appointment of former captain Stefano Pioli as their new head coach just one month after he was sacked by Inter Milan.

Fiorentina have confirmed the appointment of former Lazio and Inter Milan head coach Stefano Pioli as their new manager.

The 51-year-old was dismissed by the Nerazzurri three games before the end of the Serie A season, in which the club finished seventh and missed out on Europe.

Pioli spent six seasons at Fiorentina as a player and returns with the club hoping to take advantage of the extra Champions League place on offer to Italian top-flight clubs next season.

A statement on the official Viola website read: "ACF Fiorentina announces that it has reached an agreement with Stefano Pioli, who will be entrusted with the technical guidance of the first team.

"Stefano Pioli, as a player, wore the Viola shirt on 156 occasions between 1989 and 1995, also wearing the captain's armband.

"The new Gigliati boss has signed a contract which will tie him to his new club for two years with the option of a third.

"The owners, the directors and everyone at Fiorentina wish the Coach the greatest satisfaction, and offer him a huge 'good luck' for his new job. Welcome back, Stefano."

Pioli has also been manager at Italian clubs Salernitana, Modena, Parma, Grosseto, Piacenza, Sassuolo, Chievo, Palermo and Bologna.