Exclusive: Pioli eager to leave Al-Nassr for Fiorentina

Originally posted on Football Italia | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 8:11 AM ET

Sources tell Football Italia that Stefano Pioli considers his time at Al-Nassr over and would be glad to return to Fiorentina.

Ex-Milan coach Pioli is Fiorentina’s leading candidate to replace Raffaele Palladino, and the Italian tactician is eager to return to the Stadio Franchi.

Pioli wants the Fiorentina job

Football Italia understands that Pioli feels his time at Al-Nassr is over and has already given his green light to return to Florence, where he played between 1989 and 1995 and coached from 2017 to 2019.

The likes of Alberto Gilardino, Paolo Vanoli and Patrick Vieira have been linked with the Fiorentina job by other sources, but Pioli has always been the Tuscan’s leading candidate.

According to our sources, Pioli would consider a two-year contract, possibly with an option for a further campaign.

Fiorentina are currently working on Pioli’s contract, trying to find the best solution to release him from Al-Nassr.

Another Italian coach, Simone Inzaghi, has moved the opposite way, choosing Saudi side Al-Hilal over Inter.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: