Stefano Pioli could be in contention for the Italy job (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Fiorentina have reached out to former Ajax manager Francesco Farioli about their managerial vacancy, sources close to the situation have informed CaughtOffside.
Al Nassr manager Stefano Pioli had been keen to leave the Saudi Pro League club to take over at La Viola, but it could be that he’ll now be in contention for the Italy job.
This comes as Claudio Ranieri has rejected the Italian national team‘s offer, as reported earlier today via Football Italia.
Ranieri’s statement to ANSA read: “I thank President Gravina for the opportunity; it’s a great honour. However, I have reflected and decided to remain fully committed to my new role at Roma.
“The Friedkins gave me full support, backing me regardless of any decision I could make about the national team; this decision is mine.”
What next for Italy in search for a new manager?
Pioli is understood to have been the second choice for Italian Football Federation president Gravina, so it remains to be seen if he’d be happy to accept the job with that knowledge.
Just in case they miss out on Pioli, Fiorentina are also in contact with Farioli, who recently left his position as Ajax manager.
Fiorentina are in the need of a new manager after terminating the contract of Raffaele Palladino at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Italy need the right manager after poor form
Things didn’t work out for Luciano Spalletti as Italy boss, with his sacking coming after a surprise 3-0 defeat to Norway last week.
Ranieri would have been an ideal choice due to his experience, with the former Chelsea and Leicester City manager also doing fine work since taking over at Roma.
Pioli makes sense as another big-name option, but it will be interesting to see if he’s ready to take on that challenge or if he’d prefer Fiorentina.
