Catania confirm Montella departure

Catania have parted company with coach Vincenzo Montella, paving the way for the former Italy international to take charge of Fiorentina.

The head coach took over at Catania in June last year, replacing Diego Simeone, but impressed greatly in his one and only season in charge, leading the Sicilians to a comfortable 11th in Serie A.

Montella had a year left on his contract with Catania, but the club confirmed on Monday they had granted the 37-year-old an early release from his role.

“Catania announce that it has agreed in principle to the termination of its relationship with coach Vincenzo Montella,” a statement from the club read.

“The coming days will be used to evaluate the agreements and understandings that have been reached.”

The former striker had been heavily linked with a return to Roma, following Luis Enrique’s decision to step down.

But Catania president Antonio Pulvirenti stood in his way and Roma appointed Zdenek Zeman.

However, Montella looks poised to take up the role at Stadio Artemio Franchi, with Fiorentina looking for a new boss having fired Delio Rossi following his bust-up with Adem Ljajic towards the end of last season.