Fiorentina hire Palladino as manager to replace Italiano

Fiorentina have appointed former Monza coach Raffaele Palladino as manager for the upcoming season, succeeding Vincenzo Italiano, the Serie A club announced on Tuesday.

Palladino, 40, had been manager of Monza for the previous two seasons, his first managerial position, but chose not to renew his contract. He has signed a two-year contract with Fiorentina, with an option for an additional year.

"A few days after the end of the season, with the intention of planning the next one in the best possible way, I am very happy and proud to be able to welcome Raffaele Palladino as our new coach," Fiorentina President Rocco Commisso said in a statement.

Italiano managed Fiorentina for three seasons, returning the club to European competition after a five-year absence in his first season and leading them to three finals. He announced his resignation on Sunday.

Fiorentina lost all three finals, including this season's Europa Conference League final, losing 1-0 in extra time to Olympiacos in Athens, their second consecutive final defeat in the competition.

Palladino began his managerial career with Monza's youth teams before being promoted to first-team manager in 2022, replacing Giovanni Stroppa after the club failed to win any of its first six games of the season.

The club were at the bottom of the standings when Palladino took over in Monza's first season in Serie A, and he led them to 11th place. They finished 12th last season.

SportsLigue