Paladino appointed as the new Fiorentina coach, replacing Italiano

Paladino appointed as the new Fiorentina coach, replacing Italiano
Paladino appointed as the new Fiorentina coach, replacing Italiano

Italian Serie A club Fiorentina announced on Tuesday that they have appointed Raffaele Palladino, former coach of Monza, as their new head coach, replacing Vincenzo Italiano.

Palladino, 40, coached Monza for the past two seasons in his first managerial role. He chose not to renew his contract with Monza and signed a two-year deal with Fiorentina, with an option for an additional season.

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

Italiano managed Fiorentina for the past three seasons, leading the team back to European competitions after a five-year absence in his first season and guiding them to three finals. He announced his resignation last Sunday.

Fiorentina lost all three finals, including this season's UEFA Europa Conference League final, which they lost 1-0 to Greece's Olympiakos in Athens after extra time. It was the second consecutive time the team lost in the final of the competition.

Palladino began his coaching career with Monza's youth teams before being promoted to head coach in 2022, replacing Giovanni Stroppa after the team failed to secure a win in their first six matches of the season.

Monza was in last place when Palladino took over in their first Serie A season, and he led the team to finish 11th that season and 12th in the following season.