Leeds United loanee Willy Gnonto faces an immediate managerial change at his new club, with Fiorentina sacking head coach Fabio Grosso just 24 hours after the winger's debut. The Serie A side confirmed the dismissal in an official statement on Monday.
Gnonto joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan from Leeds last week. He made his first appearance for the club off the bench at half-time during Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Torino. The 22-year-old struggled to make an impact as Fiorentina blew a one-goal lead in the final 16 minutes, suffering their third consecutive loss under Grosso.
Fabio Grosso's tenure at Fiorentina lasted just three months after his appointment in June. The club's poor start to the season proved decisive. They were thumped 4-0 by Roma on the opening weekend and then suffered a 3-0 home defeat to newly-promoted Frosinone. The loss to Torino proved the final straw.
The club released a brief statement confirming the decision. "ACF Fiorentina announces that Fabio Grosso has been relieved of his duties as coach of the men's first team as of today," it read. Fiorentina will now begin their search for a new manager, with Paolo Vanoli strongly linked to a return.
Paolo Vanoli is set to be re-hired as Fiorentina manager. Vanoli spent much of last season in interim charge but was not given the job permanently at that time. A verbal agreement is now in place for him to take over, which would make him Gnonto's new boss.
The managerial instability comes at a critical time for Gnonto's development. The Italian international moved to Florence seeking regular first-team football after finding opportunities limited at Leeds. His parent club currently sits 9th in the Premier League with 5 points from three games, having scored 3 goals and conceded 2. They are 4 points behind leaders Manchester City.
The loan deal includes an option for Fiorentina to buy Gnonto permanently. Should that clause be triggered and all add-ons met, Leeds United stand to receive around £18 million. That potential windfall could become significant for the club's future transfer plans.
Back at Elland Road, Daniel Farke's side are preparing for their next Premier League fixture against Newcastle United at home on September 14th. Newcastle currently sit 7th in the table. The match is part of a busy fixtures schedule. Leeds will be without several key players, including Ilia Gruev, Joe Rodon and Mateo Joseph, who are all currently sidelined according to the latest injuries report.
Fiorentina had been active in the transfer market before Grosso's departure. They completed a deadline day move for striker Beto from Everton. Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is also a regular starter for the Viola. The squad now faces another period of adjustment under a new coach.
For Gnonto, the focus will be on impressing whoever takes charge. His debut may have been underwhelming, but a fresh start under a new manager could provide the platform he needs. The winger will hope to secure a starting spot and demonstrate the form that made him a target for the Italian club. Leeds United host Newcastle United at Elland Road on September 14th.
