A bombshell in Italy: Serie A has already seen its first managerial change after just three matchdays.

As top-flight club Fiorentina announced in a brief statement late Sunday evening, Fabio Grosso must step down with immediate effect. The 48-year-old had only taken over from Paolo Vanoli in the summer.

In Serie A, the 2006 World Cup winner thus lasted just three matchdays at the crisis club. After a convincing advance to the second round of the Coppa Italia against second-tier side Benevento (4:1), Fiorentina stumbled at the start of the league season in late August against AS Roma and Frosinone. In the capital, they suffered a devastating 0:4 defeat, and at home against the promoted side, they conceded a harsh 0:3 loss.

Grosso's fate was sealed by the 1:2 (0:0) loss on Saturday against Torino FC. Although Mateo Pellegrino (48th minute) had managed to score Fiorentina's first goal of the season, Rolando Mandragora (74th minute) and Ché Adams (82nd minute) turned the match around in Tuscany. As a result, Fiorentina sits at the bottom of the Serie A table without a point and a goal difference of 1:9.

Third managerial change since successful coach Palladino

Fabio Grosso had signed a two-year contract with Fiorentina in the summer. Previously, the 48-year-old was under contract with US Sassuolo, which has made a significantly better start with four points.

With the Italian national team on the way to the 2006 World Cup title, Grosso brought an abrupt end to Germany's summer fairy tale. The former left-back, who played for Inter and Juventus among others during his career, not only scored the decisive 1:0 in the semifinal against Germany but also converted the final penalty against France in the final.

At Fiorentina, the situation has been troubled for around a year. In the previous season, Fiorentina were long considered relegation candidates but ultimately secured safety in 15th place. Since the departure of successful manager Raffaele Palladino last summer, who had led the club to sixth place in the league and the Conference League semifinal in the 2024/25 season, both Stefano Pioli and Paolo Vanoli have failed at the two-time champions.