Fiorentina’s Paolo Vanoli Calls for Improvement After Draw with Juventus
Paolo Vanoli expressed that Fiorentina should feel frustrated after settling for a 2-2 draw with Juventus, despite leading the match twice. He believes the team is moving in the right direction and views the match as a strong signal for the future.
The Viola started confidently, taking the lead within the first four minutes thanks to a header from Mateo Pellegrino. However, the match quickly shifted when Nick Woltemade equalized for Juventus. Alieu Njie’s goal was also canceled out shortly after, as Gleison Bremer’s header from a corner restored balance, resulting in a continued deadlock.
Radu Dragusin managed to find the net for what would have been Fiorentina’s third goal, yet it was ruled out for a foul on Bremer.
Vanoli Wanted More from Fiorentina
In response to the match, Vanoli remarked, “I think we had a great performance against a strong opponent,” in an interview with DAZN Italia. He added that it was disheartening not to secure all three points, emphasizing the need to build confidence in the younger players while acknowledging the team’s good performance.
Vanoli made surprising changes to the starting lineup, opting to field Pedro Goncalves and Christ Inao Oulai over Marco Brescianini and Niccolò Fagioli.
He noted, “Before kick-off, people said my line-up was courageous. If we want to play football, then it’s not about using players who are more defensive or more offensive, it’s about everyone working hard and chasing down opponents.” He affirmed the players showed true effort during the match. Vanoli underscored that the team should feel disappointed not to come away with a victory, adding the expectation for improvement remains high.
Pellegrino found the net during the match, but Vanoli observed that he sometimes appeared isolated in the attack. “We are trying to give him better service, but above all get closer to him,” Vanoli stated. He also pointed out the need for Franco Mastantuono to connect better with Pellegrino, as Goncalves has been doing effectively.
The coach concluded by reaffirming the team’s aspiration to achieve something significant, believing they are on a positive trajectory that requires ongoing hard work.
Fiorentina have successfully climbed out of the relegation zone with an unbeaten run over three rounds, but the team is still only two points ahead of Monza. The match also extended their recent unbeaten record against Juventus, which includes two wins and three draws since suffering a defeat in April 2024.
