Paolo Vanoli returns to Fiorentina after disastrous Serie A start

Fiorentina have reappointed Paolo Vanoli as head coach just three months after he left the club, following the dismissal of Fabio Grosso after three consecutive Serie A defeats.

Grosso was sacked on Sunday after Fiorentina’s opening to the campaign left them bottom of the table. They have scored only once in their first three matches and conceded nine goals, prompting the club to act quickly in an attempt to reverse their fortunes.

Vanoli has been given the responsibility of stabilising the team and rescuing a season that has begun in disastrous fashion. His return comes at a crucial point, with Fiorentina already facing pressure to claim their first points of the campaign.

The club confirmed Vanoli’s appointment on Monday and said he had made an “enthusiastic acceptance” of the challenge ahead.

He will have little time to prepare for his return, with Fiorentina due to travel to promoted Venezia on Friday. Venezia have also lost each of their opening three league matches, setting up a meeting between two teams searching for their first victory of the season.

Vanoli previously took charge of Fiorentina last November after Stefano Pioli was dismissed following a run of 10 matches without a win. Under Vanoli, the club moved clear of relegation danger and eventually finished 15th in Serie A.

He also guided Fiorentina into the quarter-finals of the Conference League during his previous spell. Their run in the competition ended against Crystal Palace, who went on to win the trophy.

That earlier period in charge means Vanoli returns with knowledge of the squad and experience of managing Fiorentina under difficult circumstances. The club will now hope he can produce a similar turnaround, although the immediate focus will be on Friday’s fixture and the need to end a run of three defeats.

Fiorentina’s poor start has left them with just one goal from their first three league games, while their nine goals conceded represent a significant defensive problem. Vanoli’s first task will be to improve results quickly and move the side away from the bottom of the table.

The meeting with Venezia offers both clubs an opportunity to change the direction of their seasons. Neither side has taken a point from its opening three matches, ensuring that both will be under pressure to secure a first win when they meet on Friday.

Fiorentina’s decision to bring Vanoli back reflects the urgency created by their early results. After Grosso’s short spell ended with three successive defeats, the club have returned to a coach who previously helped them avoid relegation danger and reach the latter stages of European competition.