Both Alberto Aquilani and Alberto Gilardino are being considered as potential replacements for Vincenzo Italiano at Fiorentina. While there’s no indication that Italiano is leaving La Viola as yet, there have been long-standing links with Napoli, who are still on the lookout for a long-term successor for Luciano Spalletti.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that ‘when Fiorentina look ahead, they envision a young coach who can continue Vincenzo Italiano’s work and his brand of proactive football.’ Among the names, at least four coaches under consideration: Rafelle Palladino, Alberto Gilardino, Alberto Aquilani, and Francesco Farioli. They are not the only options, but they are among the ones being watched.
Alberto Gilardino is a familiar face in Florence, where he played from 2008 to 2012 and left a mark in the hearts of fans with his goals and celebrations. He knows the city well, but he’s currently performing admirably at Genoa. The Rossoblu club wouldn’t want to lose him, and furthermore, he’s attracting interest from other clubs. The path to Fiorentina wouldn’t be straightforward.
Raffaele Palladino develops a style of play similar to Italiano’s as he transitioned to the 4-2-3-1 formation, which is Fiorentina’s current setup. He’s young, performed well in his two seasons at Monza, and would provide continuity. He’s also courted by other clubs, and therefore, his preference would be crucial in the decision. His contract is expiring, and an agreement with his current club would not be necessary, unlike in Alberto Aquilani’s case.
Aquilani is a strong contender in Fiorentina’s preferences because of his contributions to the youth sector. He won five trophies with the Primavera, including three Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa titles. It’s said that at the end of last season, he could have made the leap from the youth team to the First Team if Vincenzo Italiano had left the bench. If a call came now, he would gladly accept due to his strong connection with Commisso’s club and the special relationship he had, especially with Joe Barone. He’s under contract until June 2025, so an agreement with Pisa, his current club, would be needed as they wouldn’t release him for free. Despite lacking Serie A coaching experience, his extensive player background has helped him overcome many challenges, including injuries, faced this year with Inter.
Francesco Farioli, a Tuscan born in Barga, has an international career path. A modern coach, adept at high pressing, he mainly utilizes the 4-3-3 formation. Currently at Nice, where he had a strong start followed by a dip, he recently bounced back with a win against Lens before the break. He will surely leave Ligue 1 at the end of the season and is sought after in multiple countries.
