Vasco enter new era after Fernando Diniz sacking

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Papo na Colina

·23 February 2026

Vasco enter new era after Fernando Diniz sacking

Vasco is officially experiencing a new moment in the season. One day after the 1-0 defeat to Fluminense in the semifinals of the Campeonato Carioca, the club confirmed the dismissal of Fernando Diniz. The decision was communicated at the Nilton Santos Stadium by president Pedrinho, accompanied by the football director Admar Lopes.

The coach did not give a press conference. It was up to the president to announce the dismissal and explain the change of direction. In his statement, Pedrinho said:

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“I am here to announce the dismissal of Fernando Diniz as Vasco's coach. I want to express my gratitude for all the affection he showed towards me and the institution. In a very difficult moment for the club, he accepted the invitation and faced the challenge and the project of Vasco, always working with great effort and dedication, for a long time, striving for us to achieve good results. I announce his dismissal, and Bruno Lazaroni will take over on an interim basis until the arrival of the next coach.”

The president also made a point of thanking Philippe Coutinho:

“I also want to thank Coutinho for all the dedication, effort, and commitment he made to come to Vasco, respecting the institution and honoring the jersey, always with the respect and dedication that the institution deserves.”

Besides Diniz, assistants Ricardo Cobalchini and Evandro Fornari, as well as physical trainer Wagner Bertelli, are also leaving the club.

+ Vasco Behind the Scenes: Argument with Fernando Diniz led to Coutinho's departure

Internal pressure weighed on the decision

The dismissal occurred a few hours after the classic, in a conversation in the locker room between Pedrinho, Admar Lopes, and Diniz. Internally, the discourse until then was to support the coach. The president was one of the biggest advocates for the continuity of the work.

However, the pressure from advisors and board members increased in recent weeks. The team's performance in 2026 — three wins in 11 games — and the performance against Fluminense, even with one extra player for over 30 minutes, were decisive.

Pedrinho held onto Diniz until he couldn't anymore – Photo: VascoTV Reproduction

Numbers and legacy of the second stint at Vasco

Fernando Diniz ends his second stint at Vasco with 56 games: 17 wins, 16 draws, and 23 losses. In 2025, he took over the team at risk of relegation in the Brasileirão, managed a temporary recovery, and led the club to the runner-up position in the Copa do Brasil.

However, the final stretch of the last Brasileiro already indicated wear, with seven losses in the last eight rounds. The unstable start of 2026 consolidated the unsustainable environment.

Bruno Lazaroni takes over on an interim basis while Vasco searches for a new coach. The board has already started meetings to define the profile and names. The next match will be on Thursday (26), against Santos, in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.