The future of Fiorentina must be defined with a clear direction. This was the core message delivered by Oreste Cinquini during a radio interview, reflecting on the club’s current situation, the role of Fabio Paratici, and the necessity of a more structured leadership after a challenging season.
Cinquini suggested that rumors about potential changes in management should come as no surprise. “The role of a sporting director today is different from the past. The relationship between management, the coach, and the club has evolved, so certain dynamics do not shock me.”
However, the former executive pointed to the fundamental issue: clarifying the club’s ownership future and granting former Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur executive Paratici the operational freedom he needs. “Paratici must be given guarantees. He has been here for a few months and has had time to observe everything about Fiorentina: the squad, the technical staff, the organization. Now he needs the authority to decide, choose, change, or confirm.”
Cinquini emphasized that the sporting director needs “full control,” extending beyond transfer market decisions and squad composition to a broader influence over the club’s entire football structure. “Today’s sporting director must have an impact on everything. Not just players, but also the technical staff, doctors, physiotherapists, kit managers, scouts, and youth sector. Everything. Fiorentina needs a strong figure to set the direction.”
The interview also touched on the ownership situation following Rocco Commisso’s passing. Cinquini stressed that the club needs a concrete presence and a clear management line. “The Commisso family must make clear their future intentions. Someone needs to come to Florence, sit down with Ferrari and Paratici, and explain to the city what Fiorentina’s plans are for the coming years.”
Therefore, he called for a public stance, arguing it is necessary after months of difficulty. “Survival has been secured. Now is the time to set the direction. Fiorentina needs to know who will lead the club and what the objectives are.”
Cinquini believes the past season exposed not only technical shortcomings but also structural and organizational issues. “Fiorentina only avoided relegation because other teams were weaker. With the potential of this squad, they should not have endured such a difficult season.”
Finally, the former executive reiterated his confidence in Paratici’s ability to rebuild the team. “He has international experience, has won many honors, and knows how to build a club. But he must be allowed to truly do his job.”