On 14 July 2015, Pazienza signed for Serie B club Vicenza Calcio on a free transfer;[16] he was awarded the number 4 shirt.

Although Pazienza primarily excelled as a ball winner and at breaking down opposition attacks, he was also capable of aiding his team offensively due to his stamina, work rate, dynamism, finesse, and ability to make attacking runs into the area; he was also able to aid his team creatively and was an effective assist provider.

[22][23] Pazienza was promoted to the head coach position at Serie C club Pisa from their Under-19 squad on 19 October 2017 following the firing of Carmine Gautieri.

[27] On 15 July 2020, Pazienza was named the new head coach of Serie D club Audace Cerignola.

On 13 September 2023, Pazienza returned to management as the new head coach of Serie C club Avellino.

[30] He was dismissed on 22 September 2024, together with the rest of the technical area staff, including sporting director Giorgio Perinetti, following a negative start of the season.

[31] On 5 February 2025, Pazienza was announced as the new head coach of Serie C promotion hopefuls Benevento.