Paolo Vanoli returns as Fiorentina head coach after Fabio Grosso dismissal

Paolo Vanoli has been appointed head coach of Fiorentina, with the Italian club confirming his return on their official website.

The details of Vanoli’s agreement have not been disclosed, but Fiorentina said they were grateful that he had “immediately and enthusiastically agreed to work with the team again”.

Vanoli is expected to take his first training session with the squad on the day of his appointment as he begins his second spell in charge of the Italian side.

The 53-year-old previously managed Fiorentina from November 2025 until June 2026. His return comes after Fabio Grosso was dismissed following three consecutive defeats at the start of the championship.

Grosso was the club’s previous head coach, but Fiorentina decided to make a change after the difficult opening run of results. The club have now turned to Vanoli, who is already familiar with the players and the working environment at the team.

Fiorentina did not publish any further information about the length or financial terms of the new agreement. However, the wording of the club’s announcement made clear that Vanoli’s willingness to return was a significant factor in the appointment.

During his coaching career, Vanoli has also worked with Spartak Moscow. His time in Russia included success in the Fonbet Russian Cup, which he won with the Moscow club.

The appointment gives Vanoli an immediate opportunity to re-establish himself at Fiorentina after his earlier period in charge ended in June. His first priority will be to oversee the squad’s preparation following the three defeats that led to Grosso’s departure.

Fiorentina’s announcement marks a swift change in leadership, with Vanoli moving back into the role he previously held less than a year after leaving it. The club has not provided details of the circumstances surrounding the length of his return or outlined any additional changes to the coaching staff.

For Vanoli, the next training session will represent the start of his latest spell at a club he already knows well. Fiorentina’s decision to reappoint him follows the team’s poor beginning to the championship and places him in charge with the immediate task of working to halt that run of results.

The Italian side described Vanoli’s return in positive terms, highlighting his enthusiasm for resuming the role. He will now prepare the team for the next stage of the campaign after Grosso’s brief tenure ended with three successive defeats.