Fiorentina have confirmed the exit of manager Raffaele Palladino amid reports of a 'feud' with sporting director Daniele Prade.
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Fiorentina signed Palladino from Monza in 2024Italian coach quits after 'feud' with directorHad extended contract with Fiorentina just weeks beforeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
As per Fiorentina's official statement, Palladino has left the club just three weeks after extending his contract until 2027. Reports suggest that a 'feud' with figurehead Prade was the key reason behind the Italian manager’s abrupt departure.
A club statement reads: "ACF Fiorentina can confirm that Raffaele Palladino’s contract, as well as those of his backroom team, has today been terminated by mutual consent."
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After three years and two consecutive Conference League final appearances, Vincenzo Italiano left Fiorentina to join Bologna in 2024. Ex-Monza boss Palladino was appointed soon after and guided the club to a sixth-place finish in Serie A, along with a run to the Conference League semi-finals. One of his main success stories this campaign was summer signing Moise Kean, who scored 19 goals in the league, finishing as the second-highest scorer behind Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui (25). However, despite the success and a recent contract extension, Palladino's time at Fiorentina was unexpectedly cut short. Reports suggest that tensions with sporting director Prade and growing dissatisfaction from sections of the fanbase contributed to his early exit.
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La Viola are reportedly exploring their options, with ex-Roma boss Daniele De Rossi and Al-Nassr manager Stefano Pioli among the names on their managerial shortlist. The Serie A club also needs to secure key players who are attracting interest from top European sides, as they aim to build a squad capable of competing in next season’s UEFA Conference League.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR FIORENTINA?
Kean and David de Gea are, arguably, two players Fiorentina cannot afford to lose. The Italian forward is under contract until 2029, but his €52 million ($59m/£43.8m) release clause could pose a challenge if bigger clubs come calling. Meanwhile, De Gea’s contract expires this summer, although Fiorentina have an option to extend his deal another year, and AS Monaco have reportedly shown strong interest in the Spanish goalkeeper. Incidentally, Fiorentina are set to face Manchester United in a club friendly in early August.
