Fiorentina’s Vanoli Expresses Frustration After Draw with Atalanta
FLORENCE, ITALY – Paolo Vanoli, head coach of Fiorentina, expressed his frustration regarding the team’s defensive performance following a 2-2 draw against Atalanta. “This is a talented squad, but we need to defend together,” Vanoli remarked after the match.
Fiorentina faced a challenging first half, trailing 1-0 due to a goal from Charles De Ketelaere. Despite a strong performance before the break, they risked losing momentum after starting poorly. However, the team fought back in the second half, equalizing with a diving header from Alieu Njie and a deflected effort from Joao Mario. Unfortunately, Atalanta’s Nicola Zalewski later secured the draw.
Following the match, Vanoli commented, “The regret is that we didn’t win a game after playing very well,” in an interview with DAZN Italia. He noted the critical need for the team to avoid costly lapses in concentration, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience in their defensive strategy.
The Fiorentina lineup saw some surprising choices, including Joao Mario playing as a full-back, a decision which ultimately paid off with a goal contribution. “We are a team that plays well, but must learn how to defend; that is what we are lacking,” Vanoli added.
He elaborated on specific defensive errors that contributed to the goals conceded, particularly mentioning missed assignments and a lack of composure. “Those two goals were really gifted to Atalanta. This is a talented squad, that is not in doubt, but Italian football requires you to all defend together as a unit,” he said.
The coach acknowledged the potential psychological impact of their previous loss to Inter, where Fiorentina squandered a 1-0 lead, conceding twice in added time. Addressing a tactical substitution, Vanoli clarified that taking Niccolò Fagioli off at half-time was not due to fitness concerns.
Currently, Fiorentina, Udinese, and Parma find themselves tied with five points in the league standings, with only Venezia trailing at three points.
