Grosso on Fiorentina first game, Mastantuono potential and relying on Kean

Grosso on Fiorentina first game, Mastantuono potential and relying on Kean Fabio Grosso prepares Fiorentina for their Coppa Italia opener with Benevento, hails the ‘enormous potential’ of Franco Mastantuono, and assures they’re ‘relying’ on Moise Kean. The first round Coppa Italia tie kicks off on Friday at 19.15 UK time (20.15 CEST). The former Olympique Lyonnais and Sassuolo coach was given the Viola job this summer, along with a surprisingly large budget to spend on the transfer market. They have been very busy, bringing in the likes of Franco Mastantuono, Athur Atta, Viery, Christ Inao Oulai, Giovanni Fabbian, Radu Dragusin, Victor Valdepenas and Alex Jimenez. Grosso oversees Fiorentina rebuild FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 26: Fabio Grosso manager of US Sassuolo looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Sassuolo Calcio at Artemio Franchi on April 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) “We are happy with how things are developing, we have ideas and know what we want to do, so we’re all moving together in unison,” explained Grosso in his press conference. “There have been many changes, so we’re working hard to speed up the process. Balance is the most important thing, as players arrived with great potential, so the time and work is needed to get the best out of them. “I am not thinking about specific systems or characteristics, it’s up to us to make the most of our strengths and try to disguise our weaknesses, always seeking the right balance.” SEVILLE, SPAIN – APRIL 24: Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Betis Balompie and Real Madrid CF at Estadio La Cartuja on April 24, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) Among the many arrivals, the one who stands out is Mastantuono, the Argentina international who arrives on loan from Real Madrid. “He is very young, thanks to the director Fabio Paratici we were able to secure him. He has enormous potential, we’ve got to give him consistent playing time and help bring that out of him onto the field,” added Grosso. Mateo Pellegrino is undergoing his medical tests today for a €25m move from Parma, then Roberto Piccoli can join Bologna on loan with obligation to buy for €18m plus add-ons too. “Pellegrino already proved what he can do and his career is really taking off. We have the attack almost complete now, we just need to add something in midfield and defence. We’re happy with what we are building.” FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 4: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Cremonese at Artemio Franchi on January 4, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) With so many new faces arriving, and the first competitive match of the season taking place tomorrow, there have been rumours about the future of Kean at Fiorentina. “Kean is an important player for the team and we are really relying on him,” assured Grosso.