Fiorentina are poised to replace current manager Paolo Vanoli, with Fabio Grosso of Sassuolo and Daniele De Rossi of Genoa emerging as the leading candidates, according to reports in Italy. The club’s sporting director, Fabio Paratici, is believed to be leading the search for a new head coach.
Paratici reportedly stated that a decision regarding Vanoli’s future will be made after Fiorentina secure their Serie A safety, but the likelihood of the current manager remaining in his position is considered minimal. Grosso and De Rossi have both overseen positive turns in form for their respective clubs, making them attractive options for the Florence-based side. Fiorentina recently hosted Grosso at their Stadio Franchi, and will welcome De Rossi this weekend.
Grosso is well known to Paratici, having previously played under and been coached by him at Juventus, initially as a player and later as manager of the Primavera youth team. Paratici reportedly recommended Grosso to Sassuolo in 2018, though the club opted for Roberto De Zerbi at the time. Grosso eventually arrived in Emilia in 2024, guiding the team back to Serie A and currently holding a tenth-place position in the league. Sassuolo’s president, Carnevali, has indicated he would allow Grosso to depart should a significant offer arrive, but a compensation fee would be required given his contract runs until 2027.
De Rossi has also impressed this season, taking over at Genoa after the departure of Patrick Vieira and successfully steering the club away from relegation with three matches to spare. This achievement triggered an automatic contract extension for another year, but De Rossi is expected to discuss the club’s future plans and ambitions before committing. Both Grosso and De Rossi fit the profile Paratici is seeking – young, ambitious managers with Serie A experience and a preference for attacking football.
Paratici is also considering several foreign options, including Spaniard Marcelino, who is set to leave Villarreal, Inigo Perez of Rayo Vallecano, and Pellegrino Matarazzo of Real Sociedad. A decision is expected within the next ten days, contingent on Fiorentina securing their Serie A status.
