Pioli ‘still confident’ over Fiorentina Champions and Conference League goals: ‘Believe’ | OneFootball

Fiorentina head coach Stefano Pioli insists that he is still confident about achieving two significant goals in the Conference League and Serie A, but admits that he ‘hasn’t succeeded yet’.

The Viola head coach gave his thoughts on the current state of his team during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Conference League clash between Fiorentina and SK Sigma Olomouc on Thursday evening.

Thursday night’s game will be Fiorentina’s first in the Conference League this season. La Viola made it to the final in the competition’s inaugural season in 2022-23, and then did the same in 2023-24, but were the losing finalists on both occasions.

Fiorentina’s Italian defender #03 Cristiano Biraghi holds his silver medal after losing the UEFA Europa Conference League final football match between Olympiakos and Fiorentina at the AEK Arena in Athens on May 29, 2024. (Photo by Aris MESSINIS / AFP) (Photo by ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Fiorentina aim for Conference League victory after poor Serie A start

Pioli has not hidden the fact that he wants his players to go one better this season, beginning with Thursday’s game against underdogs Sigma on Thursday.

“It’s a goal that we’ve set ourselves from the start. It’s an opportunity to start this group well and win this game,” Pioli told the press on Wednesday.

FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Head coach Stefano Pioli manager of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Como 1907 at Artemio Franchi on September 21, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Pioli insists that he still has ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League with Fiorentina as well.

“I was brought in with the aim of raising the level. I haven’t succeeded yet, but I like to believe in my players and the work we do. I believe that we will find a way to bring out our best values. I’ve spoken openly about our ambitions, we have to take responsibility. Now, we have to raise the level, but I’m still confident.”

Did Pioli expect anything more from his Fiorentina players given that they sit in 16th in Serie A with no wins from their first five matches of the season?

“I’m disappointed with the performances, but I know what it means to be the coach of Fiorentina and to start like this, but we move forward with confidence and energy.

“There are delicate moments in all seasons, you have to go through defeats, mistakes, but I’m sure that we have a responsible group and that I have a lot of quality at my disposal.”

FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SSC Napoli at Artemio Franchi on September 13, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

And what does Pioli expect when going up against Sigma in the Conference League on Thursday?

“They’ve had some difficulties, they don’t score much but they have the best defence in the league. We expect a physical game, and we should focus on our quality.

“The goal must be to be more concrete and more effective in the offensive phases. Over the last few games, we’ve been lacking in good choices rather than chances.”