Stefano Pioli, the experienced Italian coach, has voiced his ambition to return to Serie A, firmly rejecting suggestions that his coaching career is in decline. Currently without a club, Pioli stated his desire to prove his capabilities in Italy once more.
“I’m not washed up at all,” Pioli told Corriere dello Sport, as quoted by TuttoMercatoWeb. “It’s true my last experience went badly, but I feel young inside and still able to give a lot.” He is among a group of seasoned coaches, including Maurizio Sarri, Luciano Spalletti, and Massimiliano Allegri, who have faced similar criticism this season.
Pioli’s last role was with Fiorentina, a club he left last November. He clarified that his departure was a mutual termination following a sacking, which saw him forgo a year of his contract. His extensive coaching career in Italy includes stints at prominent clubs such as Milan, Inter, Lazio, Bologna, and Fiorentina.
While his primary focus remains on Serie A, Pioli confirmed he is also open to coaching abroad. “I’m also considering going abroad, but I’d like to stay in Italy. I want to prove something here,” he explained. He revealed receiving “plenty of offers from abroad,” though none from Spain, England, or France. In Italy, interest has been minimal, with nothing concrete emerging so far.
Pioli recently visited Como’s training centre, where he observed Cesc Fabregas. He praised the former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder’s coaching acumen, describing him as “very intelligent” and predicting a “great career” for him. This interaction highlights Pioli’s continued engagement with the tactical side of the game.