Paulo Sousa is officially the new Fiorentina manager

After an extended intrigue, first with Fiorentina, then in leaving his previous club Basel, the news we have expected for some time has come: Paulo Sousa is the new first team manager. The 44 year old Portuguese takes over the Viola after three fairly successful seasons under Vincenzo Montella, and expectations will be high for the new man to keep the winning ways going.

The brief official statement went online with little fanfare today, and, after confirming that Sousa will be in Florence tomorrow for "bureaucratic formalities," goes on to say that there will be a presentational press conference for the new 'mister' tomorrow at 7 p.m. local time (1 p.m. EST), which will be streamed live.

The details of Sousa's contract are still unclear, although it is rumored to be a 2-year contract worth about 1 million Euro a season. Hopefully the announcement of the new manager will now allow the Viola to start building the team for next season, as there is still a lot to be done in the summer transfer window. Regardless, let us be the first to say welcome to Paulo Sousa, we wish him all the best, and, as always, forza viola.