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Multiple sources have reported the Fiorentina has agreed to terms with Stefano Pioli to become the new head coach in Florence. This may not be the flashy signing most fans were hoping for, but it looks like at least Paulo Sousa will be managing his last game for la Viola this weekend. If these reports are true, then there may be some significant changes to the roster. Generally, when new managers come in they want to get their own guys to change the culture. It is important to note that if the Pioli reports are true this will be the third manager Fiorentina has had since the end of the 2014-2015 season. The position really has become a bit of a carousel. There is definitely something to be said for stability in a position of power, such as manager.
Let’s look at what Pioli brings to the table though. First, he has some viola ties. Pioli was a defender in Florence from 1989 - 1995. During his time in Florence, he spent some time wearing the captains armband. It is always nice to get a former player back in Florence, but a former captain is even better. Another plus is that Pioli knows Italian football very well. His whole coaching and playing career took place in Italy so far.
As a coach Pioli has had mixed success. The most prominent of his jobs was leading Lazio to a 3rd place finish in the 2014 - 2015 season. All together Pioli won 44 games had 20 draws and 27 losses with Lazio in 91 games. After his spell in Rome Stefano Pioli was signed to coach Inter Milan. He started out strong as the coach, but the last 7 games he coached with Internazionale, they lost 5 and had 2 draws. That led to his dismissal and that really brings us to today. If Inter did not play poorly maybe Fiorentina would still be looking at Eusabio De Francesco.
Stefano Pioli is a tactician when it comes to his formations. He is not afraid to use a few different formations throughout a campaign. With Lazio in he liked to use a 4-5-1 system, but also would construct a 3-4-2-1 lineup when it seemed a better fit. It will be fun to see what Pioli comes up with to showcase the talent on the Fiorentina roster. If the reports are true Pioli has signed a 2 year contract worth somewhere in the realm of 1.2 million Euros.