Fiorentina announce new manager and centre-back arrivals

Stefano Pioli will be the new manager of Fiorentina next season, while defender Vitor Hugo is in Florence to complete a deal, the club's official website has confirmed.

The ex-Inter and Lazio boss takes the reins from Paulo Sousa after the former Portugal international’s two-year spell with the Viola came to an end following a disappointing 8th-placed finish last season.

Pioli spent his best years as a player with Fiorentina between 1989 and 1995 as a first choice centre-back and will be joined at the club by a new defender of his own in the form of Vitor Hugo.

The 26-year-old Brazilian has been at Palmeiras for two seasons, helping the club to the Brasileirao title in 2016 as part of the league’s meanest defence, leading the team in interceptions (95) and aerial duels won (121).

Defensive additions were seen as a priority for a side that shipped 57 goals last season, just one fewer than the likes of promoted sides Bologna and Crotone (both 58).