Top-flight Italian Serie A club Fiorentina are closing in on the appointment of Paolo Vanoli as its new head coach following the dismissal of Stefano Pioli earlier this week.
According to reports from Italy, Vanoli has agreed to a contract until June 2026, with an option to extend for a further season. The official announcement is expected within the next 24–48 hours once final paperwork and formalities are completed.
The decision to part ways with Pioli came after a string of poor performances in Serie A, during which Fiorentina slipped behind in the race for European qualification. Despite Pioli’s long tenure and previous successes, the club hierarchy reportedly felt a “fresh direction” was necessary to reinvigorate the team’s style and results.
Vanoli, who previously impressed during his time managing Venezia, is regarded as a tactically astute and modern coach with a focus on pressing and dynamic transitions. His work developing young players and building structured, aggressive sides made him a strong candidate for Fiorentina’s long-term project.
The 52-year-old former Italy international has served as an assistant coach under Antonio Conte at both Chelsea and Inter Milan, where he was praised for his attention to tactical details and defensive organisation.
At Venezia, Vanoli guided the club back to Serie A through the playoffs — earning widespread respect for achieving promotion with limited resources.
Now, his task in Florence will be more demanding: stabilising Fiorentina, reigniting their attacking identity, and re-establishing them among Italy’s top clubs.
