Stefano Pioli's tenure with Al Nassr has officially come to an end, paving the way for his widely anticipated return to Fiorentina. The announcement, made public today, the 25th of June, 2025, marks the conclusion of a relatively short and ultimately unsuccessful stint for the Italian coach in Saudi Arabia.
Pioli, who had signed with Al Nassr with high expectations, failed to deliver the desired results despite managing a star-studded squad. The club finished the season without any major titles, falling short of expectations in the Saudi Pro League and failing to make a significant impact in other competitions. This trophyless season ultimately led to the decision to part ways, despite Pioli having a contract until 2026. Al Nassr finished third in the Saudi Pro League and were eliminated in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite.
According to reports, Pioli had already reached an agreement with Fiorentina owner Rocco Commisso to return to the Serie A club, where he previously coached from 2017 to 2019. This pre-existing agreement played a significant role in his decision to leave Al Nassr, even declining an offer to manage the Italian national team to honor his commitment to Fiorentina. Pioli also played for Fiorentina between 1989 and 1995.
The Italian coach is expected to officially sign with Fiorentina in the coming days, likely after the start of July, filling the managerial vacancy. This move marks a return to familiar territory for Pioli, who is fondly remembered by many Fiorentina fans for his previous spell at the club. During his time there, he managed the team through a difficult period, marked by the tragic death of captain Davide Astori.
Pioli's return to Fiorentina represents an opportunity for him to revitalize his career after the disappointing experience in Saudi Arabia. He will be tasked with building upon the foundation and guiding the team towards achieving its goals in Serie A and other competitions. His experience in Italian football, combined with his previous knowledge of the club, makes him a suitable candidate for the job.
The news of Pioli's departure from Al Nassr has been met with mixed reactions. While some fans expressed disappointment at his inability to bring silverware to the club, others acknowledged the challenges he faced and wished him well in his future endeavors. Even Cristiano Ronaldo, who played under Pioli at Al Nassr, thanked the coach.
For Fiorentina, the arrival of Stefano Pioli signals a new chapter. The club is hoping that his leadership and tactical acumen will help them achieve greater success in the upcoming season. The official announcement from Fiorentina is expected soon, with fans eagerly anticipating the return of a familiar face to the bench.
