Pioli returned to the club in July for his second spell in charge, but Fiorentina have collected a mere four points from the first 10 league games, the club’s worst ever start to a season leading to protests from supporters.

“ACF Fiorentina can confirm that Stefano Pioli has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the first team,” the club said in a statement.

“Daniele Galloppa will take charge of the first team temporarily, starting from this afternoon’s training session,” it said.

Sporting director Daniele Prade left Fiorentina on Saturday, and a home loss to Lecce on Sunday was the final straw for Pioli, who led AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2022.

Pioli signed a three-year contract at Fiorentina, replacing Raffaele Palladino who had left the club three weeks after signing a contract extension in May.

Fiorentina are away to German side Mainz 05 on Thursday in the Conference League, a competition where Pioli’s side won their two opening games.

The next league game is at Genoa on Sunday.