Paulo Fonseca is now the favourite to take over at Fiorentina after negotiations with Spezia for Vincenzo Italiano suddenly stalled.

The Viola are still looking for a new coach after Gennaro Gattuso was hired and then terminated his contract by mutual consent 23 days later.

They had picked Italiano, but needed to negotiate the termination of his recent contract with Italiano and his staff.

It was considered just a matter of time, but suddenly the situation has taken a huge twist, with talks grinding to a halt.

RAI Toscana had first reported the news this afternoon and they were also the first to break Gattuso’s serious clashes with President Rocco Commisso.

Now Sportitalia, Tuttomercatoweb and Gazzetta dello Sport all confirm Fiorentina are ready to give up on Italiano and look at other candidates.

Former Roma boss Fonseca becomes the favourite now, having been close to a deal with Tottenham Hotspur.

Other options include Rafa Benitez and even the unlikely push for Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa.

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