Vanoli: ‘Fiorentina need leaders, Conference League games are welcome’ | OneFootball

Paolo Vanoli confirms two veterans will start for Fiorentina against AEK Athens tomorrow and insists the Conference League is ‘absolutely not’ a hindrance in their season.

It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Thursday at 20.00 GMT.

The Viola had at least started the season on the right foot in Europe with wins over Sigma Olomouc and Rapid Vienna, but that too has seemingly fallen by the wayside.

Stefano Pioli was sacked in early November, with a caretaker manager for their 2-1 defeat away to Mainz, then Vanoli oversaw Serie A draws against Genoa and Juventus.

Vanoli still getting to grips with troubled Fiorentina

GENOA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Paolo Vanoli, Head Coach of Fiorentina looks on prior to the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and ACF Fiorentina at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

“There will be a moment before kick-off when I recognise this as a smell step ahead in my coaching career, but it’ll only last for a moment, and then my focus will all be on the future,” confessed Vanoli to Sky Sport Italia ahead of his UEFA debut.

Considering they are still without a Serie A win this season, could the Conference League be seen as a hindrance for Fiorentina?

“Absolutely not, the more games there are, the better. Big clubs are accustomed to playing every three days and so it is an opportunity for the squad to learn and grow.

“I welcome these matches, and we must not see any alibis, because we’ve got a first class training ground and staff to help us recover our energy.”

PISA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: David de Gea of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and ACF Fiorentina at Arena Garibaldi on September 28, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

It doesn’t give Vanoli much time to work with the team, which is still trying to adapt to the new coach.

“We cannot go with many experiments because we need to find consistency and solidity, but this is a squad full of first choice players, so they can all start,” he added.

“We’ve got to rotate with intelligence and understand the importance of the competition. This is why I can confirm that David De Gea and Edin Dzeko will start, because they have great experience and can help us emerge from this tough moment.”

A player who is struggling since making the move to Fiorentina last season is Albert Gudmundsson, so is yet to find his feet.

“I want important players to become leaders, to show their quality during decisive moments and inspire the rest of the team,” added Vanoli.