FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 2: ACF Fiorentina head coach Stefano Pioli gestures during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Lecce at the Artemio Franchi on November 2, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Martinti/Getty Images)
Fiorentina’s new sporting director, Roberto Goretti, has denied that Stefano Pioli has demanded a payment for his departure. “He just believed he could turn things around.”
The club held a press conference today to announce new manager Paolo Vanoli, who had already overseen their first game in Serie A last Sunday, in a 2-2 draw with Genoa.
You can read Vanoli’s comments at the event here.
Vanoli is not the only change at the Viola, as Daniele Prade resigned last week and Goretti was promoted to sporting director.
“I would like to thank everyone at the club for giving me this opportunity. I spoke with Vanoli and we will follow his advice and try to be in the best possible condition to win this challenge that he has accepted,” Goretti said.
“We are aware of the situation we are in and will work hard to develop the issue for the better.”
Fiorentina ‘suffered’ over Pioli’s dismissal
Vanoli’s appointment as manager was slightly delayed due to Pioli’s resignation, but negotiations to terminate his contract by mutual agreement broke down and Fiorentina ultimately fired him.
The manager had just arrived for his second stint at the Stadio Artemio Franchi over the summer, but was unable to maintain his position after four draws and six defeats in 10 Serie A games.
“Regarding Pioli, it was a decision we struggled with and we all admitted we made a mistake,” Goretti insisted.
“While it is true that he was fired, he never asked for any severance pay. He simply believed he could turn things around. The decision to fire him was made after much personal and professional consideration.”
“We decided to press the reset button because you can see from the results of this season. We have to tell the players that it is going to be a difficult season and that they are going to suffer for a long time.”
Goretti was technical director under Prade and was promoted to sporting director, but acknowledges the situation remains fluid.
“What happens from today is up to me, and my first decision was to hire Vanoli. Even if it only lasts a week, I’m going to act as if I’m going to be here for 10 years.”
“Vanoli’s contract runs until June 2026, with an option for Fiorentina to extend until 2027. There were no difficulties in the negotiations.”
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