Leeds United's Wilfried Gnonto thrown curveball after Fiorentina loan move as head coach Fabio Grosso sacked
Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto has been thrown an early curveball following his loan move to Fiorentina
Fiorentina head coach Fabio Grosso has been dismissed less than 48 hours after handing a debut to on-loan Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto.
Grosso only took the reins at the Serie A club in June, signing a two-year contract after an impressive spell at the Sassuolo helm.
He oversaw a busy summer of recruitment and Gnonto was among those signed, penning a loan deal containing a buy option.
Wilfried Gnonto’s Fiorentina head coach axed
The 22-year-old wideman was handed his debut on Saturday (September 5), appearing as a substitute in a 2-1 defeat to Torino.
Defeat left Fiorentina bottom of the Serie A table after three losses from three and prompted the club hierarchy to take action last night (September 6).
A brief statement read: “ACF Fiorentina confirm that Fabio Grosso has today been relieved of his duties as first-team head coach.”
Reports have indicated the club are looking to rehire Paolo Vanoli, Grosso’s predecessor.
Wilfried Gnonto’s Fiorentina move
Gnonto will be hoping he can catch the eye of Vanoli, who may not have signed the Italian but will be well-aware of his profile.
The move back to Italy has presented Gnonto with an opportunity to breathe life back into his career after a difficult period in West Yorkshire.
Last season, the Italy-capped attacker was afforded just four Premier League starts by Whites boss Daniel Farke.
After putting pen to paper in Florence, Gnonto said: “Yes, I'm young but I've had lots of different experiences which have helped me to grow and improve. Now I want to show what I can do in Italy.
“I’m raring to go. I really wanted to come here and I’m happy. Now comes the best part. I know what I have to give. I know what my strengths are and I want to put them at the service of the team, the coach and everyone here.”
Also hoping to get his career going again is goalkeeper Lucas Perri, who has between the Torino sticks as Gnonto made his Fiorentina debut.