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Fiorentina appoint World Cup winner Fabio Grosso as new head coach

Fabio Grosso has been appointed as the new manager of ⁠Fiorentina, the Serie A side announced on Monday, with the former Italy defender signing a two-year contract.

Grosso, best known for scoring the decisive penalty in Italy’s shootout victory over ⁠France in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final, arrives in Florence after building a growing reputation in management across Italy and abroad.

The 48-year-old began his coaching career in Serie B, taking charge of clubs including ⁠Bari and ⁠Hellas Verona before managing ⁠Brescia, ⁠FC Sion, ⁠Frosinone and ⁠Olympique Lyonnais.

Grosso’s most recent spell was with ⁠Sassuolo, where he guided the club back to Serie A at the first attempt. He followed that success by steering Sassuolo to a comfortable mid-table finish in the top flight before leaving by mutual consent last week.

“I never like to make promises,” Grosso said in a club statement.

“However, I fully understand the responsibility that comes with this role. I can guarantee commitment, professionalism and total dedication as we work to build a team with ambition, courage and a clear identity.”

Fiorentina turn to Grosso after a difficult campaign in which they spent much of the season battling to avoid relegation. Former coach ⁠Stefano Pioli was dismissed in November following a 10-match winless run, with ⁠Paolo Vanoli taking charge and eventually guiding the club to a 15th-place finish.

Vanoli left the club on Friday, paving the way for Grosso’s arrival as Fiorentina look to rebuild and climb the Serie A table next season.

The appointment marks one of the first major managerial moves ahead of the new Italian football campaign, with Fiorentina hoping the World Cup winner can restore stability and competitiveness at the club.

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Written by Edward Promise

Edward Promise is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Winonbetonline. He oversees the site's editorial direction, football coverage and publishing standards, and specialises in football analysis, tactical reporting and editorial strategy.