MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Robin Gosens of Fiorentina celebrates after scoring the first goal alongside teammates Moise Kean and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia during the Serie A match against AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 19, 2025. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Fiorentina’s director, Daniele Pradè, criticized the ‘scandalous’ VAR decision that led to AC Milan’s 2-1 win while also acknowledging his share of responsibility for the team’s current situation. “Stefano Pioli can turn things around for us,” he stated.
The Fiorentina squad was understandably upset following their defeat at San Siro, having suffered a controversial 2-1 loss.
Robin Gosens managed to score from close range, giving Fiorentina a surprising lead, but Rafael Leão equalized with a stunning long-range shot that found the bottom corner past David De Gea.
A pivotal moment came late in the game when VAR instructed referee Livio Marinelli to review an incident involving Fabiano Parisi holding onto Santiago Gimenez’s shoulder, leading to a penalty decision that Leão successfully converted.
This decision pushed the boundaries of what constitutes a ‘clear and obvious error’ since while there was contact, it was minimal.
Pradè’s Criticism and Acceptance of Responsibility
“If VAR needed to call back the referee for a clear and obvious error, then that’s a massive mistake on their part. Marinelli lacked the courage to stand by his original decision,” Pradè shared with DAZN Italia.
“I can’t express how we feel right now. Situations like this can significantly impact an entire season. It’s outrageous. The player was on the ground for around 20 minutes, despite being barely touched—it’s a distressing scene to witness.”
“Fiorentina fought bravely and didn’t deserve to lose in such a manner, especially with a player rolling around on the ground. Earlier, there was a foul on Ranieri that could’ve warranted a red card, and that left us at a disadvantage when they scored.”
“We never expected to be in this position with just three points after seven rounds, but this outcome doesn’t reflect the true quality of our team, which was evident again tonight.”
Pradè has faced protests from Fiorentina ultras who hold him responsible for the team’s poor performance due to his transfer strategies, yet he took the chance to express his support for coach Pioli.
“If anyone can guide us out of this challenging situation, it is Stefano Pioli. The responsibility lies with me since the club has entrusted the strategy to my hands. For our current predicament, I am the one to blame.”
“There are other contributing factors, such as our stadium renovations keeping our fans away, and the demands of competing in three tournaments. I feel for the fans, the President, and the coach. If anyone should resign or be dismissed, it’s me; the rest should focus on their roles knowing the potential of this team.”
“We firmly believe that there’s only one man for the job, and that is Stefano Pioli.”