Fiorentina Femminile will get their first taste of competitive action when they host Como in the Serie A Women's Cup on Saturday evening.

The team has undergone significant changes since last season, starting with the head coach.

Coach

Pablo Pinones-Arce was appointed on July 1, 2025. A Chilean born and raised in Sweden, the former striker spent his playing career in Sweden, Denmark and Italy. He began his coaching career in 2016 as assistant coach for the Hammarby men's team. He then took charge of Frej before taking over Hammarby women, where he steered the team from the second division to a Swedish league and cup double in three years. In 2024 he became technical director of Houston Dash in the United States. Now he's joined Fiorentina on a contract until June 30, 2026.

Reinforcements

The squad has been strengthened notably over the summer. One of the biggest names brought in is Lina Hurtig, the 29-year-old Swedish striker who recently won the Champions League with Arsenal and previously played in Serie A for Juventus. 

Dutch defender Ilse Van Der Zanden has been signed from Utrecht to bolster the Viola rearguard while Belgium international Sarah Wijnants, 25, and Norway international Emilie Woldvik, 26, will provide reinforcements on the flanks.

Other newcomers include Serbian goalkeeper Sara Cetinja (25), Norwegian defender Oda Mathilde Johansen (20) and Icelandic midfielder Katla Tryggvadottir (20).

Meanwhile three talented youngsters from the Fiorentina academy have been promoted to the first team: Maya Cherubini, Siria Mailia and Emma Lombardi.

Serie A Women’s Cup

The new season starts with a new competition, the Serie A Women’s Cup, which takes place before the league season begins.

The 12 Serie A teams are divided into three groups of four and Fiorentina have been pitted alongside Como, Inter and Genoa. After Como on Saturday, the Viola will travel to Inter two weeks later (September 6). The date and time of the third game against Genoa are still to be confirmed.

The winner of each group and the best second-placed team qualify for the final four.

New technology: Football Video Support

For the first time in women's football, the FIGC is rolling out Football Video Support (FVS). It is a similar system to VAR but with fewer cameras and now additional match officials. The difference is that it is the teams themselves who will get the chance to call for its use – up two twice per game (one in each half). It is an important trial and a big step forward for women's football in Italy.