Fiorentina have released a statement on Monday evening confirming Vincenzo Montella has been sacked as first team head coach.
Tensions have been rising over the last week between Fiorentina and Montella with both sides making public statements about the future that didn't quite seem to be covering the full story. Montella is believed to have upset the Fiorentina hierarchy by making it clear that the club had performed above the level the budget should have allowed them to and they responded by publicly questioning his commitment to the club with Montella saying he was happy to continue in the role.
However, it seems that what were fragile lines of communication between club and manager have now broken down completely and the club have decided to let the Italian go 'for the greater good of the club.'
In a statement Fiorentina said; "ACF Fiorentina have interpreted the recent behaviour of Coach Vincenzo Montella as the clear desire to break from a contract legitimately signed two years ago. It contains a clause which the Coach no longer believes to be in his interest, but to which he agreed at the time. So, with great regret we must take note of the fact that there is no longer the relationship of trust necessary for the continuation of any relationship, and we are therefore forced - for the good of the club - to sack Vincenzo Montella. This sudden situation has obviously created organisational problems which we must resolve urgently. We would have expected clearer, more respectful and less ambiguous behaviour from the Coach, in respect of the shirt, the fans and the club which has given him so much.”
Rumours are already circulating that Basel coach Paulo Sousa will replace Montella and it is not clear yet what the future now holds for Montella. There are a number of top clubs in Serie A without a manager at the moment including AC Milan and Napoli. There have also been rumours about Rudi Garcia's future at Roma and you can be sure that anyone with a vacancy in Serie A will be enquiring about Montella's availibility over the coming days and weeks.