Rossi was unveiled by the underachieving Viola outfit today after being confirmed as successor to the sacked Sinisa Mihajlovic on Monday.

"I soon as I was called I gave my availability," Rossi said on www.acffiorentina.it.

"I feel this is an opportunity worth experiencing. I hope to live up to the expectations.

"I have been linked to other clubs in recent months but most were media speculation."

The former Palermo coach signed a contract until June 2013 and inherits a team that is 13th in the standings, with just three wins from their opening 10 games.

The Florence-based club decided to dismiss Mihajlovic, who had led Fiorentina to a ninth-place finish last term, after Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Chievo.

"If they have decided on a coaching change during the season it means that something has not gone well," Rossi added.

"It's not in my style to make promises but I know I will give everything to bring this team to the high positions in the standings.

"Before I evaluate the situation, I want to see the players.

"I start from zero and what I've achieved in the past counts for nothing.

"I will evaluate all the players on the basis of what I see in training.

"My aim is to give a soul to this team. I believe in three things: work, work and work.

"I would like to be able to get the team have chemistry with the fans and the fans to have chemistry with the team, but I am not a magician and I can only try to do it."

The 51-year-old had been out of a job since leaving Palermo in June.

Rossi's first game in charge will be at home to AC Milan on November 19.