Aquilani first choice for Fiorentina role

Vincenzo Italiano is widely expected to leave Fiorentina this summer and Alberto Aquilani is emerging as the favourite to replace him, ahead of Alberto Gilardino and Raffaele Palladino.

The speculation has been for months that Italiano asked to terminate his contract by mutual consent at the end of the current campaign.

According to Sportitalia transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, the big favourite at the moment to take over at the Stadio Franchi is a former Fiorentina player, Aquilani.

The ex-midfielder is currently the coach of Serie B team Pisa, but began his coaching career with the Fiorentina youth team from 2020 to 2023.

Aquilani return to Fiorentina

He played for the Viola from 2012 to 2015, along with the likes of Roma, Milan, Juventus, Liverpool, Sporting CP and Las Palmas.

The other contenders for the Fiorentina job are believed to be another ex-player, Gilardino, although he is discussing a potential new contract to remain at Genoa after taking them to promotion from Serie B and then mid-table comfort.

Palladino is also a candidate after impressing in Serie A with Monza.