Vasco begin new phase after sacking Fernando Diniz | OneFootball

Vasco have entered a new phase after sacking Fernando Diniz, confirmed a day after the 1-0 loss to Fluminense in the Campeonato Carioca semi-final.

According to PaponaColina, president Pedrinho announced the decision at Estádio Nilton Santos with director of football Admar Lopes, and Diniz did not hold a press conference. Assistants Ricardo Cobalchini and Evandro Fornari, and fitness coach Wagner Bertelli, also depart.

Pedrinho said he had relieved Diniz of his duties, thanked him for accepting the job in a difficult moment and for his commitment, and named Bruno Lazaroni interim until a new coach arrives. He also thanked Philippe Coutinho for his dedication and respect for the club.

The dismissal followed a dressing-room discussion hours after the derby. Until recently the internal line had been to back Diniz, but pressure from councillors and board members grew as results dipped, with three wins in 11 in 2026 and a tame display against Fluminense despite a man advantage for over 30 minutes.

Diniz’s second stint ends after 56 games, with 17 wins, 16 draws and 23 defeats. He took over in 2025 with the team in relegation danger in the Brasileirão, sparked a brief revival and finished runners-up in the Copa do Brasil.

Seven defeats in the last eight league rounds last season signalled the strain, and a shaky start to 2026 made the situation untenable. Lazaroni leads on an interim basis while the board meets to define the next appointment. Vasco face Santos on Thursday (26) in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Source: PaponaColina