Fiorentina sack Vincenzo Montella

Montella took charge of Fiorentina in 2012, guiding them to three successive fourth-place Serie A finishes and the 2014 Coppa Italia final.

The 40-year-old former Italy forward also steered them to the semi-finals of this season's Europa League where they were beaten by eventual champions Sevilla.

"ACF Fiorentina have judged the recent behaviour of coach Vincenzo Montella as the clear sign of his desire to break from a contract legitimately signed less than two years ago because it contains a clause which the coach no longer believes to be in his interest, but he agreed to at the time," the club said in a statement on their official website (www.fiorentina.it).

"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."

As a player Montella played for Empoli, Genoa, Sampdoria and AS Roma in his native Italy before a brief spell on loan at Premier League side Fulham in 2007.

Nominally speaking, Montella’s time at Fiorentina was a success. He secured three successive fourth place finishes and also took them to the final of the Coppa Italia and a semi-final Europa League. The statement is surprisingly frank and blames Montella for a breakdown in the relationship. However, as I soft the work at football clubs, there is more at play here. Eurosport Italy acknowledge the fact that Montella wanted to leave but also question the motive of the club.

Montella didn’t want to stay in Florence - he had offers from AC Milan and Napoli - and Fiorentina didn’t want Montella anymore - they cannot sustain the kind of investments Montella demanded. And, as usual, Fiorentina tried to blame the coach. They did the same in 2010 with Cesare Prandelli.