Coach Montella extends Fiorentina contract

ACF Fiorentina have announced that coach Vincenzo Montella has signed a new contract with the club.

After the official unveiling of the squad for the 2013/14 season on Tuesday, Viola president Andrea Della Valle said: "Our coach will stay on our bench for many years more." The length of the contract was not revealed officially, but reports suggest that the former Italian international forward has agreed a new deal until 2017.

"This is just a formality, we reached an agreement a long time ago," added Montella, who ended his first season in Florence with a fourth-place Serie A finish. "I wish to thank the club and the fans for their support, but we are aware that a difficult task is waiting ahead for us now."

The 39-year-old former UC Sampdoria and AS Roma attacker – who started his coaching career by replacing Claudio Ranieri at Roma two years ago before excelling at Calcio Catania the following season – will make his European debut against Grasshopper Club in the UEFA Europa League play-off on Thursday.