Fiorentina Overhaul: Big Names Excluded from Pre-Season Squad Under Grosso

FolioPitch.com – 12 July 2026 | In a clear signal of a new era at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, the Fiorentina squad for pre-season sees big names frozen out as new coach Fabio Grosso begins a comprehensive rebuild. The Viola, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, have announced a 29-man training group that notably excludes several high-profile players, confirming that the club is moving forward without some of its highest earners.

The Fiorentina squad for pre-season sees big names frozen out, with Robin Gosens and Jacopo Fazzini among the most prominent omissions. Gosens, a German international who joined from Inter Milan last year, was reportedly informed he was not in Grosso’s plans. Fazzini, a young midfielder, is on the verge of a move to Cagliari. Also left out are Riccardo Sottil, M’Bala Nzola, Amir Richardson, Antonin Barak, and Paolo Bianco—all returning from loans and evidently not part of the future. Teenage striker Riccardo Braschi will head to Padova on loan.

The decision to freeze out these players underscores the club’s determination to overhaul a squad that underperformed last season. Fabiano Parisi will continue individual recovery after an ACL injury, while Marin Pongracic has been granted extra time off following the World Cup. Alex Jimenez’s transfer from Bournemouth is still pending, but he will join once finalized.

On the positive side, Fiorentina have been active in the transfer market, with new signings including Radu Dragusin, Arthur Atta, and several others. The pre-season roster also features promising youngsters and recent additions like Moise Kean, Albert Gudmundsson, and Nicolò Fagioli. The Fiorentina squad for pre-season sees big names frozen out, but the new faces indicate a shift toward youth and tactical flexibility.

Grosso, who led Frosinone to promotion last season, has already implemented his philosophy in training. The squad will be tested in friendlies ahead of the Serie A season. With the Fiorentina squad for pre-season seeing big names frozen out, fans can expect a vastly different team when the campaign kicks off.

In conclusion, Fiorentina’s aggressive squad restructuring under Fabio Grosso has started with a clear message: no player is untouchable. The exclusion of experienced figures like Gosens and Sottil may raise eyebrows, but it reflects a long-term vision. The Viola are betting on fresh talent and a new system to climb the table. The pre-season will be crucial in integrating the new arrivals and building chemistry.