Who Could Become The Next Fiorentina Manager? La Viola Consider Stefano Pioli Sack After Winless Serie A Start

Stefano Pioli could be on his way out of Fiorentina after a winless start in Serie A and La Viola are reportedly considering multiple options for their next manager.

Will Fiorentina Sack Stefano Pioli?

Stefano Pioli has earned a strong reputation in Italian soccer after managing the likes of Inter, AC Milan, Fiorentina, Lazio and Bologna, winning the Scudetto with AC Milan in 2022.

In July 2025, Pioli returned to Italy for his second-spell with Fiorentina, after taking charge of 74 matches in Florence between July 2017 to April 2019.

However, his return to Italy has not gone according to plan so far, as Fiorentina have failed to win any of their opening six Serie A matches and sitting one place above the relegation zone in 17th.

Most recently, the Florence-based side were beaten 2-1 by Roma at Stadio Artemio Franchi and left Fiorentina with just three points from a possible 18.

Success in Serie A for Fiorentina looks unlikely, meaning La Viola will divert their attention to a Coppa Italia Ro16 clash against Como and making a strong run in the Europa Conference League.

The Serie A giants got off to a flying start to their European venture, beating Sigma Olomouc 2-0 in Florence and will be looking to lift European silverware for the first time since 1961.

The Europa Conference League has brought hope to fans in recent years, alongside despair, as Fiorentina last in consecutive finals between 2023 and 2024.

Lifting a trophy is something that has been a long time coming for Fiorentina, with La Viola last winning a trophy 24 years ago – winning Coppa Italia in 2001.

Unfortunately for Pioli, ending this trophy drought appears to be a fantasy after Fiorentina’s poor start to the season and the club may be looking for a new leader before 2026.

Who Could Be The Next Fiorentina Manager?

Luciano Spalletti

One man that has been linked with a return to Serie A is Luciano Spalletti, as the veteran looks for his first job since parting ways the Italian national team.

The 66-year-old oversaw 24 matches as Italy manager, reaching the Ro16 at the 2024 European Championships and failing to deliver any real success during his 18-month spell.

Spalletti was eventually replaced by Gennaro Gattuso and is keen on finding a job in his home nation, previously holding the reins at Napoli, Inter, Roma and Udinese.

His biggest achievement came in Naples, as the 66-year-old guided Napoli to their first Serie A title in over 30-years with the likes of Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Thiago Motta

If Fiorentina decide to part ways with Pioli then La Viola may look for a younger, hungry manager and Thiago Motta is a leading candidate following his success with Bologna.

The 43-year-old began his managerial career with Genoa before taking the reins at Spezia, where he caught the eye of Bologna after keeping Aquilotti in Serie A.

After 76 games with Bologna, Motta earned his biggest job to date by becoming the new Juventus manager in July 2024, however, his time in Turin did not go according to plan.

During his time with Juve, the former Genoa boss oversaw 42 matches, winning 18, drawing 16 and losing eight, leading to his dismissal in March 2025.

Motta is currently taking a break away from the sport, but taking the reins at Fiorentina could be exactly what the Italian needs to rebuild his reputation in Serie A.

Erik ten Hag

La Viola’s last nine appointments have all been Italian, with their last non-Italian manager coming in 2015, as Paulo Sousa oversaw 95 matches across two seasons.

Given their recent struggles, Fiorentina may look to break the mold and appoint a manager from outside of Italy – making Erik ten Hag a strong contender.

The Dutchman first caught the eye during his time with Ajax, winning three Eredivisie titles, two KNVB Cups and Johan Cruyff Shield, whilst also reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.

His performances with Ajax were enough to secure one of the biggest jobs in soccer, as Ten Hag became the Manchester United manager and his time in England failed to meet expectations.

The 55-year-old won the Carabao Cup in his opening season, before winning the FA Cup in the following campaign, but Ten Hag was dismissed mid-way through his third year.

Following his disappointing end in Manchester, the Dutchman took the reins at Bayer Leverkusen in July 2025, but was relieved of his duties just two-months later after just three matches in charge.

Losing his job in Germany after such a short amount of time has inflicted a huge dent on Ten Hag’s reputation in Europe and his future in management is still unclear, however, the former Manchester United manager may be looking to repair damage with an immediate return.