Fiorentina coach Vanoli ‘happy’ with Kean frustration after substitution in Rakow win | OneFootball

Paolo Vanoli took Moise Kean’s angry reaction to being substituted during Fiorentina’s 2-1 Conference League win over Rakow as a positive sign rather than a disciplinary concern, insisting the striker’s frustration simply reflected how desperately he wanted to help his side reach the quarter-finals.

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“I am happy because he is an important player,” Vanoli told Sky Sport after the match, with quotes via CalcioMercato.

“When there is that anger and that desire to play, it means he wanted to be there and to help. But I am the coach, and I also have to understand that he is a key player and that we still have nine finals and a passage through the round to think about.”

UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 02: Moise Kean of Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Friuli on March 02, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Vanoli concedes tough game for Fiorentina at Rakow but focuses on challenges ahead

Vanoli was also candid about a difficult first half in which Fiorentina struggled to find their rhythm on a heavy pitch.

“We wanted to play but the surface did not allow it, we were arriving late to second balls and were slow to understand how to get the qualification over the line,” he admitted.

The second half, however, told a very different story, with the Viola coming from behind to seal the win. “This team now has a plus, they know how to react.”

On Kean’s broader value, Vanoli was unequivocal, and his words carry obvious relevance for Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso ahead of the World Cup playoffs.

“The national team coach is better than me, he knows perfectly well that Moise is an important player who wants to help both Fiorentina and the national team. He is a player Italy will need.”