Serie A side Fiorentina appoint Stefano Pioli as their head coach

The 59-year-old, who led AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2021-22, returns to Florence after a brief stint with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League during the 2024-25 season.

Pioli, a former Fiorentina player from 1989 to 1995, previously managed the team between 2017 and 2019. His return follows the departure of Raffaele Palladino, who stepped down after just one season.

The move signals Fiorentina's intent to build on their mid-table finish in the 2024-25 Serie A campaign, where they secured a top-10 spot. Pioli's appointment makes Fiorentina one of six top-10 Serie A teams to change coaches since the season's end, alongside Inter, Atalanta, Roma, Lazio, and Milan.

Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso expressed enthusiasm for the appointment. "I'm very happy with the arrival of Stefano Pioli at the helm of the Fiorentina first team," he said in a statement on the club's website.

"From the first words we had together, I saw good values and a desire to fight for this club and this city, which he knows so well. I, my family, and all of Fiorentina welcome Stefano back, and we wish him the best for this new adventure in the Viola jersey."

Pioli's tactical expertise, often employing a dynamic 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2 formation, is expected to revitalize a squad that underwent significant changes last season to suit Palladino's system.

Posts on X from the club echoed the excitement, with Fiorentina announcing, "Stefano Pioli is the coach of Fiorentina!  #forzaviola #fiorentina."

The coach's return has sparked optimism, though challenges remain. Viola Nation reported that Pioli's preference for a high-pressing 4-2-3-1 will require new signings, particularly wingers, to align with his vision.

Despite his proven track record, some fans question whether Pioli's "safe pair of hands" approach might limit Fiorentina's ceiling, given their ambitions to compete for European spots.

Pioli's immediate task is clear: unite a squad in transition and harness the talents of key players like Moise Kean to push Fiorentina up the Serie A table. With pre-season preparations underway, all eyes are on Florence to see if Pioli can replicate his Milan magic and restore the Viola's pride.