Fiorentina confirm appointment of former Inter and Lazio boss Stefano Pioli

Stefano Pioli has been confirmed as Fiorentina's new coach on a two-year deal.

Pioli was sacked last month by Inter Milan with three games remaining of the Serie A season.

The 51-year-old's six-month reign at the San Siro was brought to an end after an eight-match winless run, but he returns to work as Paulo Sousa's successor at the club which he captained during his playing career.

"Fiorentina announces the club has reached agreement with Stefano Pioli, who will take over as first team coach," confirmed a statement from the Viola.

"The new coach will sign a two-year deal, with the option of a third."

Pioli previously led Lazio to a third-place finish in his first season with the club in 2015, but was sacked last year in the wake of a 4-1 derby defeat to city-rivals Roma.

Fiorentina finished eighth last season in Serie A, three points adrift of the Europa League qualification places.

Inter Milan, meanwhile, are due to appoint their fifth coach in a space of a year after Luciano Spalletti confirmed he had "shook hands" on a deal with the club.