Pioli confident ‘positive signs’ despite Fiorentina flop | OneFootball

Stefano Pioli insists he saw ‘positive signs’ from Fiorentina after another disappointing stalemate with local rivals Pisa, as the fans are starting to protest.

This has been a truly dismal start to the season for the Viola, who are still without a Serie A victory after three draws and two defeats.

They had the ball in the net twice today, both disallowed for offside, while Pisa also had a goal ruled out for handball.

The Tuscan Derby had not been played in Serie A for 34 years, while the two local rivals hadn’t met at all since 1994 in Serie B.

Pioli trying to keep Fiorentina thinking positive

PISA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Stefano Pioli manager 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)

“Perhaps all we were missing was the goal,” insisted Pioli on DAZN Italia.

“It was a difficult match, very tense, lots of fouls, and that’s to be expected from a long-awaited derby. It is a difficult start to the season for both teams, we can certainly do better in attack, even if we tried throughout the game.

“We’ve got to allow fewer opportunities at the other end, but I did see positive things. It’s a tough moment, we have to get out of it gradually, but the signs are positive.”

PISA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Rolando Mandragora and Luca Ranieri 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)

Fiorentina fans do not seem to agree with Pioli’s view of the situation, as they jeered the team off the pitch at the final whistle in Pisa.

“We have to improve certain situations, football doesn’t always give you the results that you deserve,” insisted the coach.

“We must continue to believe in what we are doing, the team is focused and eager. They were disappointed by the lack of a win, as is natural for a derby, but we’ve got to keep working and become more of a team unit.

“I did see positive signs and the performances are improving, so we’ve just got to work on those details. This team can and will have a good season.”

Fiorentina have until now been able to prepare all week for their Serie A matches, but will begin their Conference League campaign next week against Sigma Olomouc, followed by big clashes with Milan and Roma.

“We’ve got to take it one game at a time, the Conference League is one of our objectives.”