Fiorentina Set to Sack Stefano Pioli After Zero Wins in 10 Serie A Games

The Stadio Artemio Franchi has become a fortress of frustration rather than hope, as Fiorentina finds itself in the most precarious position in recent memory. With zero victories from their opening ten Serie A matches and languishing in 19th position with just four points, La Viola are facing an unprecedented crisis that has pushed head coach Stefano Pioli to the very brink of dismissal.

The Numbers Tell a Devastating Story

Fiorentina’s catastrophic start to the 2025-26 Serie A season represents one of the worst opening sequences in the club’s modern history. The statistics paint a picture of a team in complete disarray, struggling to find any semblance of form or confidence.

Fiorentina’s Dismal Serie A Record (First 10 Games)

The most recent setback came in the form of a devastating 1-0 home defeat to Lecce, a result that sent shockwaves through the passionate Fiorentina fanbase and effectively sealed Stefano Pioli’s fate. The loss, decided by Medon Berisha’s goal, was met with a chorus of boos from the home supporters, who watched their team struggle to create meaningful chances despite playing at the Artemio Franchi.

Stefano Pioli: From Champion to Crisis

The current situation represents a dramatic fall from grace for Stefano Pioli, who returned to Fiorentina in July 2025 for his second spell at the club. The 59-year-old coach, who led AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2022, signed a three-year contract with high expectations after his previous successful stint in Florence from 2017 to 2019.

Pioli’s Fiorentina Journey

However, this homecoming has turned into a nightmare scenario. The team’s inability to secure even a single victory has left Pioli isolated and under immense pressure from both the board and the increasingly vocal supporters. Reports suggest that Fiorentina’s hierarchy has already approached the veteran manager about the possibility of resignation, though Pioli has steadfastly refused to step down voluntarily.

The Boardroom Standoff

Sources close to the club reveal that Fiorentina’s directors held lengthy discussions with Pioli following the defeat to Lecce, exploring the possibility of a mutual agreement for his departure. However, the coach’s refusal to resign has created an impasse that the club will need to resolve decisively.

Pioli’s stance is understandable from a contractual perspective – having signed a lucrative three-year deal just months ago, his departure would require significant compensation. The financial implications of dismissing a coach so early in his tenure add another layer of complexity to an already delicate situation.

Fan Revolt and Mounting Pressure

The atmosphere around Fiorentina has become increasingly toxic, with the Curva Fiesole displaying banners of protest against both the team and club management. The passionate support that has long been a cornerstone of Fiorentina’s identity has now become a source of additional pressure, as fans demand immediate action to address the club’s alarming decline.

Potential Replacement Candidates

As speculation intensifies regarding Pioli’s successor, several names have emerged as potential candidates to take charge of Fiorentina’s rescue mission:

Paolo Vanoli has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Pioli. The former Torino coach is highly regarded for his tactical acumen and man-management skills, having impressed during his tenure in Turin. Initial contacts have reportedly been established, though extracting him from his current contract would require negotiation.

The Conference League Contradiction

Adding to the confusion surrounding Fiorentina’s current predicament is their contrasting form in European competition. While the team has failed to register a single Serie A victory, they have managed to win all three of their Conference League matches, demonstrating that the squad possesses the quality to compete effectively.

This stark contrast between domestic and European performance raises questions about mentality, pressure, and the psychological burden that comes with expectation in Serie A. The difference in approach and results suggests that the problems may be more complex than simple tactical inadequacy.

Historical Context and Club Ambitions

Fiorentina’s current plight is particularly painful given the club’s recent trajectory and ambitious plans. La Viola reached consecutive Conference League finals in 2023 and 2024, establishing themselves as a competitive force in European competition. The expectation was that this European experience would translate into improved domestic performances.

The club’s last trophy came in 2001 when they won the Coppa Italia, making the current drought even more frustrating for supporters who have watched their team come close to silverware in recent years. The pressure to end this 24-year wait for a major trophy has perhaps contributed to the weight of expectation that appears to be crushing the current squad.

The Immediate Challenge

With Fiorentina scheduled to face Mainz in the Conference League on Thursday, the timing of any potential managerial change becomes crucial. The club faces a delicate balancing act between addressing the crisis decisively and maintaining stability for their European campaign, which remains their most realistic route to success this season.

The upcoming fixtures will be critical in determining not just Pioli’s fate, but potentially the entire trajectory of Fiorentina’s season. With the club currently sitting just one point above the relegation zone, every match carries enormous significance.

Stefano Pioli’s refusal to resign means that Fiorentina will need to take the difficult decision to terminate his contract, a move that would involve significant financial implications but appears increasingly inevitable given the mounting pressure from all sides.

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