Terrible start puts Fiorentina’s European dream and Pioli’s job at risk

Fiorentina are one of the four Serie A clubs still without a win this season, which means their dream of qualifying for the Europa League or even the Champions League is already in strong doubt.

There were plenty of expectations when Fiorentina started the new campaign with the appointment of Stefano Pioli and the signings of Roberto Piccoli, Edin Dzeko and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia.

After four consecutive qualifications for the Conference League, the Tuscans aimed for a bigger competition, but the reality is that they’ve only collected three points in six matches.

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Stefano Pioli, Head Coach of Fiorentina, looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Nottingham Forest and ACF Fiorentina at City Ground on August 05, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Pundits and fans playing casinos not on gamstop did not see it coming, as Fiorentina were regarded as one of the contenders for the top spots in the standings.

Their latest 2-1 home loss against Roma, however, left them just above the relegation zone and with plenty of doubts on Pioli’s job.

“The problem is not my future, but it’s to get results,” the Viola coach told DAZN via Sportmediaset on Sunday.

“We are all united, we have a tough schedule, and we think about the next games.

Fiorentina comments after 1-2 loss vs. Roma

PISA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Stefano Pioli manager of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and ACF Fiorentina at Arena Garibaldi on September 28, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“We played with great generosity and the appropriate quality and unity, but details made the difference. We had more than a chance. We are sorry. It’s a strange start, we are too far away from Roma right now, but in terms of strength, we aren’t so different. Roma have made many narrow wins, which means they concede little. They have the best defence and we created goal-scoring opportunities today. The performance was there, not the result.”

Moise Kean, the best Fiorentina scorer in 2024-25, who netted the Tuscan’s only goal against Roma, added: “We were a bit unlucky both in the first and in the second half with Piccoli and Gosens’ chances. However, Roma are a top side; they play well and have an excellent coach. We made a step forward compared to previous matches, and this is a positive thing. Now we must work on other important matches.”

The Italy international, however, refused to blame bad luck only, as Pioli had suggested.

“The coach is right, we must prepare in a better way and make the most of the chances. I believe in the team, in the staff and in the coach, and we can do great things. He believes in us, and we still made a step forward.

“Roma are a great team and we must learn from these situations. I know we’ll do it.”

Fiorentina have three tough games coming up after the break as they’ll meet Milan and Inter away and Bologna at home.