After a modest playing career as a right back that was cut short by an injury, Pagliuca retired at the age of 28 to become a youth coach at amateur club Rosignano.
[1] In 2010 he left for Borgo a Buggiano, winning promotion to Lega Pro Seconda Divisione for the first time in the club's history.
[1][6] After being initially confirmed in charge of the club for the upcoming Lega Pro season, he was sacked in November 2014 due to poor results.
[15] In July 2021, Pagliuca returned to Lucchese, this time in Serie C, guiding the club to a spot in the promotion playoffs.
[17] After guiding Siena to an impressive season despite a number of financial issues that eventually led to the club's exclusion from professional football, Pagliuca was hired by Juve Stabia.