Grosso: ‘Fiorentina ready to rebuild, want to be competitive and lasting’ | OneFootball

Fabio Grosso is well aware that Fiorentina ‘want to rebuild’ after a difficult campaign and make a team that is ‘competitive and lasting’ with new stars in a 4-3-3 formation.

It was remarkable timing for the Viola to organise this presentation press conference, on the 20th anniversary of Grosso converting the decisive penalty in the 2006 World Cup Final against France.

He has gone on to make a strong career for himself as a coach, most recently at Sassuolo, and signed a contract with Fiorentina to June 2028 plus an option to extend for another year.

Grosso begins new Fiorentina adventure

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Fabio Grosso, Head Coach of Sassuolo, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I want to thank Fiorentina for this opportunity. It is an historic club and being here makes me very proud,” said Grosso. “I also thank Sassuolo for two wonderful years.

“You asked me about 2006, well the years go by, but what we did will remain in history and we can only be proud about that. I do a different job now, I know my responsibilities, we’ll do everything to achieve something good here too.”

BERLIN – JULY 09: Scorer of the matchwinning penalty, Fabio Grosso (c) of Italy,celebrates with the world cup trophy after the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Final match between Italy and France at the Olympic Stadium on July 9, 2006 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Fiorentina had a disastrous campaign that saw them escape from the relegation zone in only the final weeks, so are eager to turn things around.

“I am aware of what has been asked of me. The club wants to rebuild something wonderful, and I keep that in mind. We’re trying to put the pieces in place to help rebuild a Fiorentina side that is competitive and lasting.

“Obviously, the dream in everyone’s mind is to win a trophy. I feel the hunger and ambition to keep raising the bar, so that is our objective. We want to make Fiorentina a protagonist of this league, and thinking about where we want to go can make the path seem clearer, but we also know that we need action more than words right now.”

SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Fabio Grosso, Head Coach of US Sassuolo reacts during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Grosso traditionally likes to play with a 4-3-3 formation, whereas Fiorentina have varied between different systems in recent years, so does he have a clear idea of how he wants to set them up?

“I always liked to have a team with courage and an attacking approach. The idea is to play 4-3-3, it’s what I’ve always done, and I want to continue doing it, although clearly there are some situations that could warrant adjustments.”

Fiorentina secured several new signings over the last few days, including defender Radu Dragusin from Tottenham Hotspur, and only today Udinese midfielder Arthur Atta.

“I have to compliment director Fabio Paratici. Atta is a very strong player with great potential, I imagine him on the left side of a three-man midfield,” continued Grosso.

“I trust the director in his choices. Viery is young with a lot of potential, I want to get to know him and understand his characteristics. We know Dragusin better, he is coming from a top club and is an important signing.”

There are some already in the Fiorentina squad who are familiar faces for Grosso thanks to his time as coach of the Juventus youth team.

“We brought Moise Kean into the youth side earlier than expected, he always had this ambition to become a world class player. I can’t wait to speak with him again, he is an important player in this squad for me.

“The same goes for Nicolò Fagioli, he too has great quality and can improve so much in the build-up play.”

There are others who perhaps don’t quite fit into the 4-3-3 vision, such as Albert Gudmundsson.

“Freedom of movement in football is important, and characteristics affect the way you play. I want to speak to Albert and see how he feels about things. I want players in my squad who are ready to work hard.

“He’s not a winger, but not a striker either, and I don’t see him in midfield, especially with the arrival of Atta. When working with him in training, I might get a better idea of his strengths and weaknesses,” added Grosso.