MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Fiorentina’s Head Coach, Stefano Pioli, observes the match prior to the Serie A encounter between AC Milan and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 19, 2025. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Stefano Pioli expressed frustration after Fiorentina’s 2-1 defeat to Milan, asserting that his team “did not deserve to lose.” He criticized the penalty awarded during the match, stating it encourages players to simulate fouls, knowing they can benefit from it.
This match was particularly significant for Pioli, marking his 500th game in Serie A, and he was set to celebrate his 60th birthday the following day. He received a heartfelt reception from fans upon returning to San Siro, where he previously coached.
Despite the emotional atmosphere, the game was disappointing for Pioli as Fiorentina initially took the lead with a goal from Robin Gosens, only for Rafael Leao to equalize with a long-distance shot and then put Milan ahead with a contentious penalty decision.
Pioli’s Outburst Over Controversial VAR Call
“This is why I am so dissatisfied with the outcome. Fiorentina has invested significantly in this project, placing immense trust in me and my efforts, yet the results have not been forthcoming, so we must improve,” Pioli remarked to DAZN.
He continued, “We’re not the only ones who need to step up. If this is how we proceed, we risk encouraging players to simulate contact, rolling around and whining because they know it will yield results, and they get rewarded for it. It’s happening everywhere on the pitch, not just in the penalty area.”
“The referees have informed us that VAR intervenes only in cases of clear and obvious errors. So, was that truly a clear and obvious error?”
Currently, Fiorentina sits without a single win in Serie A this season, intensifying the pressure on Pioli, who has garnered just three points from a possible 21.
Nevertheless, Fiorentina’s director Daniele Pradè firmly expressed his support for Pioli, declaring him the “only man capable of guiding us out of this predicament.”
When questioned about his tactical choices, particularly regarding the congested midfield that left Moise Kean somewhat isolated, Pioli defended his strategy.
“Moise experienced some discomfort in his ankle; he did what he needed to do. Subsequently, Piccoli added more energy. We generated more chances with Nicolussi Caviglia, and by pushing Fagioli and Mandragora into advanced roles. Although we could have utilized more vertical passes, the team performed well overall. We conceded the equalizer while down to 10 men due to an injury before the penalty was called.”
“I really don’t feel we deserved to lose tonight,” he asserted.
When confronted by ex-Fiorentina striker Luca Toni about the team’s struggles to respond after going behind, Pioli became visibly irritated.
“Are you even watching these matches? Do you just look at the results? Milan had only one shot on target. Our performance was solid against a team currently sitting at the top of the table. Yes, I acknowledge that we are at the bottom, and I take responsibility for that, but winning doesn’t automatically make you a great team, and losing doesn’t make you poor.”
“This is a team that believes in its methods, is giving everything it has, and there are no locker room issues. The outcomes have simply not gone our way,” Pioli concluded.
It’s also worth mentioning that Fiorentina were down to 10 men when Leao’s penalty was awarded because Ranieri was receiving treatment for a nosebleed.
“I thought he was ready to return; I’m not sure if the referee was waiting for confirmation or if he still had blood issues. It’s just another example of how things haven’t favored us,” Pioli remarked.