Empoli sack Pagliuca, Dionisi returns as manager until 2027 | OneFootball

After just seven matchdays of the championship, Serie B 2025-26 records the first dismissal of the season. Empoli has decided to relieve Guido Pagliuca of his duties, officially entrusting the team's technical leadership to Alessio Dionisi, who returns to the blue bench after the successful experience of 2020-21, which culminated in promotion to Serie A.

Serie B, Empoli: Pagliuca dismissed. Official return of Alessio Dionisi on the bench until 2027

In the official statement, the Tuscan club confirmed that Dionisi "has signed a contract until June 30, 2027," thus establishing a medium-long term project.

"Dionisi comes home": the official announcement from Empoli

Empoli communicated the decision through a note released on its website and official channels: "Alessio Dionisi is the new head coach of the first team. He has signed a contract until June 30, 2027."

The club also announced the names that will make up the technical staff of the former Palermo coach:

Luca Vigiani, assistant coach

Paolo Cozzi, technical collaborator

Fabio Spighi, athletic trainer

For Dionisi, this is an important return: in the 2020-21 season, he led the team to the conquest of Serie A, imposing a modern and proactive style of play that launched him towards experiences in the top league, first with Sassuolo and then with Palermo.

Pagliuca dismissed after seven matchdays: Empoli's choice

Guido Pagliuca's adventure at Empoli ends after just seven matchdays of the championship and two Coppa Italia matches. The Tuscan coach, born in 1976, arrived in the summer from Juve Stabia, a club with which he achieved promotion to Serie B and reached the playoffs in the previous season.

Despite the recent away victory against Sudtirol, the blue management decided to end the relationship with Pagliuca, assessing the need for a technical and managerial change of course. Curiously, both seasonal victories came with the coach in the stands due to suspension.

The club publicly expressed gratitude and respect for the work done by the coach and his staff, wishing them the best for the future.

Why Empoli chose Dionisi: continuity and playing identity

The decision to recall Dionisi is not coincidental. The former blue coach represents a guarantee for Empoli in terms of knowledge of the environment and the club's playing philosophy. His offensive style, based on high pressing, possession management, and youth development, perfectly aligns with the club's sports project.

With a three-year contract, the management intends to rebuild a growth cycle and bring the team back to the top of the standings after a fluctuating start to the season.

In-depth: the current situation in Serie B

Pagliuca's dismissal is the first coaching change of Serie B 2025-26, but it probably won't be the last. After seven matchdays, the standings are still tight, and many clubs are considering technical adjustments to improve performance. For Empoli, however, Dionisi's return marks a new beginning, with the clear objective of regaining continuity and promotion ambitions.

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