Vanoli: ‘Fiorentina belief to the end in victory over Rakow’ | OneFootball

Paolo Vanoli was impressed with the way Fiorentina ‘reacted and believed to the end’ in a Conference League win over Rakow, and felt ‘sentimental’ at a debutant’s tears.

The Viola had gone behind when Jonatan Braut Brunes pounced on a defensive error to give Rakow the lead at the near post, but within 20 seconds of the restart, Cher Ndour’s swerving volley off the outside of the right boot had equalised.

It looked as if the tie was going to be all square going to Poland, but a clumsy Michael Ameyaw handling offence on Dodo’s cross gave the hosts a penalty in stoppages, converted with impressive calm by Albert Gudmundsson.

Vanoli hails Fiorentina fightback

FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Cher Ndour of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 12, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“The lads did well, because knowing there was a very important Serie A game coming up, they still managed to focus and remember the Conference League is important too,” Vanoli told Sky Sport Italia.

“The first half was more organised, but not decisive or determined enough, lacking quality. Unfortunately, we are penalised for every little error and it happened again today, but we did well to react and believe to the very end.”

This was a much-needed victory for Fiorentina, who had been shaken by almost throwing away their Conference League play-off 3-0 advantage to Jagiellonia in the last round, only scraping through 5-4 on aggregate in extra time.

That was followed by a heavy defeat to Udinese and 0-0 draw against Parma in Serie A, so confidence was on the slide.

FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Albert Gudmundsson ac f scores a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 12, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“Now we have a minimal advantage for the second leg. I told the lads to pay attention to what happened in the Champions League last night, the importance of always keeping your head in the game and not getting swept away,” added Vanoli.

“When seasons start badly, it is not easy to get them back onto an even keel. Florence deserves more, we all know that, but together we have to fight this year to keep Fiorentina on track in Serie A and the Conference League. It’s a delicate balance, but we are improving, and have always dragged ourselves out of the low moments with the hard work and sacrifice of everyone.”

Now Fiorentina must prepare for a huge few days, as they go head-to-head with Cremonese for Serie A safety on Monday, then next Thursday travel to Poland for the second leg with Rakow.

The club has decided to take the whole squad into a training retreat to prepare for that big match on Monday in Cremona.

FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Head coach Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 12, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“I know from when I was a player that training retreats need to be done at the right time. We are fortunate enough to have a magnificent camp that gives us everything we needs, so after a late match, it can be very beneficial to be up in the morning and get straight to work,” explained Vanoli.

“I prefer to do it the day after a match rather than the day before, that is my philosophy. Staying together after a victory can also help us to bond and enjoy the moment, as well as congratulating Braschi.”

There was also an emotional moment late on when Riccardo Braschi came on for his senior debut, and the lifelong Fiorentina supporter was in tears after the final whistle.

“I felt emotional too, I’m a sentimental person. I worked with young players a lot and we need everyone this season. Now is when the difficulties begin, because when he drops back into the youth team, he’ll have all eyes on him and raised expectations, but he got his debut because he deserved it.”