Pioli all set for Fiorentina return, as Al-Nassr adventure is over | OneFootball

As already reported by Football Italia, Stefano Pioli has agreed terms to become the new coach of Fiorentina and is working on extricating himself from the Al-Nassr contract.

Various Italian media are only now stating what we had already confirmed on June 5, that Pioli gave the all-clear to make a return to Florence.

The only lingering doubt had been to choose between the Viola and the Italy job, but the Federation has instead picked Gennaro Gattuso to replace Luciano Spalletti on the Azzurri bench.

Pioli has chosen Fiorentina comeback

FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 04: Stefano Pioli manager of AC Milan and Cristiano Biraghi of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and AC MIlan at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 4, 2023 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

There is just one remaining problem, which is Pioli agreeing an early termination of his contract with Al-Nassr.

The 59-year-old joined the Saudi Pro League side on September 18, 2024, and was given a truly astonishing salary package worth a reported €12m per season.

It was a three-year contract, but the results have not been strong, and the call of Fiorentina was far too tempting to resist.

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli looks on prior to the Italian Serie A football match between AC Milan and Inter Milan at the San Siro Stadium in Milan on April 22, 2024. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

This will be his third stint at the Stadio Franchi, having played there from 1989-95, then as a coach from 2017 to 2019.

As for Al-Nassr, they are already seeking another Italian coach to replace Pioli, specifically Luciano Spalletti, who has been offered wages of €18m per season.