Pioli wanted by Fiorentina and Juventus for 2025-26 | OneFootball

After links with Juventus, now Stefano Pioli is being considered for a return to Fiorentina, but his Al-Nassr contract poses a problem.

The 59-year-old was pushed out by Milan a year ago and within weeks had secured a new extremely lucrative job in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.

There had already been suggestions he was being targeted for a return to Serie A by Juventus, who sacked Thiago Motta in March and missed out on both Antonio Conte and Gian Piero Gasperini.

Pioli eyed up for return to Serie A

Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates victory with his coach Stefano Pioli after winning the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Riyadh and Al-Nassr at Prince Faisal Bin Fahad on November 8, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Now Sky Sport Italia point out they are not the only candidates, because Pioli is also on the wish list for Fiorentina.

The Viola had been content with coach Raffaele Palladino, until he suddenly tended his resignation and left them needing a replacement.

FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Davide Astori of ACF Fiorentina and Stefano Pioli manager of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on September 16, 2017 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

It would be a comeback to the Stadio Franchi for Pioli, who was already on the bench from 2017 to 2019 and remains extremely well loved by the fans and players.

However, his €12m per season contract with Al-Nassr is going to be tricky for him to get out of effectively.

Other candidates for Fiorentina include Alberto Gilardino and former Ajax boss Francesco Farioli.