Stefano Pioli Fiorentina Comeback Set for Early July Return
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- Stefano Pioli’s return to Fiorentina is confirmed but delayed until July 3, 2025.
- Pioli must stay in Saudi Arabia for at least 183 days in 2025 to maintain tax residency status.
- The delay is linked to avoiding heavy Italian taxation on his Al Nassr salary.
- Fiorentina has secured Pioli on a contract until 2028 with a significant pay cut from his Saudi earnings.
Pioli’s residency status plays a crucial role in his financial arrangements. If he were to leave Saudi Arabia before July 3, he would lose the tax exemption on his substantial salary from Al Nassr. In that case, Italian tax laws would apply, subjecting him to a tax burden exceeding 45% on his income. Given that Pioli earned approximately €6 million for the first half of 2025 under his Saudi contract, premature relocation would lead to a tax liability of around €3 million. This financial consideration makes waiting until early July a pragmatic decision despite Fiorentina’s eagerness to have their coach back sooner.
The coach’s wife, Barbara, has already relocated to Riyadh, strengthening Pioli’s case for maintaining his fiscal residency in Saudi Arabia. The couple’s physical presence in the kingdom ensures compliance with residency requirements and solidifies their ties to the country during this period. Pioli’s contract with Fiorentina is set until 2028, with an annual net salary of €3 million, marking a considerable salary reduction compared to his earnings in Saudi Arabia. This sacrifice underscores Pioli’s commitment to Fiorentina and his desire to return to one of his favored clubs.
Pioli’s tenure in Saudi Arabia began in September 2024, following his departure from AC Milan. The fiscal benefits he enjoys in Saudi Arabia depend on staying there for half the year, a rule designed to attract top sports professionals by offering favorable tax conditions. This international fiscal landscape highlights the growing complexity in football management, where global contracts and tax planning play a significant role in transfers and team strategies.
As fans and analysts await the official Stefano Pioli Fiorentina Comeback, the coach’s return remains contingent on fulfilling these residency requirements. His eventual arrival promises to bolster Fiorentina’s ambitions in the upcoming campaigns, with expectations running high. The timing of his move also offers an interesting angle for those monitoring Serie A Predictions, as Pioli’s late start with the Viola may influence early season results and squad dynamics.
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