Vanoli set for Fiorentina return as verbal agreement reached
Quick summary
Paolo Vanoli has reached a verbal agreement to return as Fiorentina's head coach, following a period away from the club.
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Attributed to original sourceMultiple sources claim that Paolo Vanoli is set to return to Fiorentina just three months after his exit, replacing Fabio Grosso.
Fiorentina announced Grosso’s sacking on Sunday night after just four competitive matches in the 2026-27 campaign.
Vanoli has verbal agreement for Fiorentina return FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 5: Head coach Fabio Grosso manager of ACF Fiorentina gestures during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Torino FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on September 5, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) The 2006 Italy World Cup winner had secured one victory in Coppa Italia, but then lost the opening three Serie A games of the campaign.
Reports from last night suggested that Fiorentina were in talks with both Thiago Motta and Vanoli, but all Italian sources now claim that the Tuscans have decided to bring their former coach back.
Vanoli was appointed caretaker coach in November 2025 to replace Stefano Pioli and managed to avoid relegation in the 2025-26 campaign, but despite that, Fiorentina decided against extending his contract, bringing in Grosso instead.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 16: Head coach Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between ACF Fiorentina and Crystal Palace FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on April 16, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) Fiorentina invested over €130m in the summer transfer window, but the results were beyond disappointing: they lost 4-0 away at Roma, then 3-0 at home to Frosinone, and 2-1 to Torino, also at the Stadio Franchi.
Gazzetta dello Sport, Repubblica and all other Italian sources claim that Vanoli is now ready to return to Florence, and Fabrizio Romano confirms the 54-year-old has reached a verbal agreement with La Viola.
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What happened
Fiorentina are on the verge of reappointing Paolo Vanoli as head coach after a verbal agreement was reached between the parties. Vanoli, who previously had a spell at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, is set to return to lead the Tuscan side. The agreement comes amid a turbulent period for Fiorentina's bench, and the club is looking to stabilize with a familiar figure. No official contract signing has been announced yet, but the verbal terms are reportedly in place.
Chance analysis
Fiorentina's decision to turn back to Paolo Vanoli signals a desire for continuity and familiarity during a difficult stretch. Reappointing a coach who already understands the club's environment can shorten the adjustment period and provide immediate clarity in the dressing room. The move will be closely watched by fans and players alike, as Vanoli will need to quickly re-establish his authority and tactical identity with a squad he may not have seen evolve since his departure.
Fiorentina's tactical setup and dressing-room dynamics are likely to shift under Vanoli's return, with potential short-term instability before his methods take hold.