Paolo Vanoli has urged his Fiorentina players to play with complete freedom and cast aside any inhibitions as they face Crystal Palace at the Stadio Franchi on Thursday evening. Fiorentina needs a significant 3-0 victory to overcome their first-leg deficit and advance to the Conference League semi-finals.
Vanoli acknowledged the difficulty of the task but believes that when players stop overthinking and start believing, the impossible can sometimes become reality. “We will play with a free head, knowing that we will need something special,” he stated, emphasizing that sometimes desire and courage can surpass technical quality.
He was candid about the team’s initial focus this season, admitting that with only four points from their first 11 league matches, survival was the paramount objective. “When we had four points we were talking primarily about the league, that was the priority,” Vanoli explained. “Then the story says the Conference must be an objective for this club.”
Vanoli also highlighted the valuable lessons learned from facing a Premier League team of Crystal Palace’s caliber. “The strong teams make you grow. When you don’t win, you learn.”
Regarding his own future, Vanoli expressed a desire to continue with the club but firmly stated that his tenure should not be defined by the outcome of a single Conference League match. “I don’t want my future to be conditioned by one Conference League match,” he declared. “I’m not a genius if we go through and I’m not a mediocre coach if we go out. I keep believing, despite the difficulties.”
He also offered a critique of the Italian footballing culture’s approach to courage, suggesting a disconnect between stated desires and actual reactions. “In Italy, people say they want courage but then criticise it when they see it.”
In terms of team news, Dodô will be absent due to suspension, and Pongracic is undergoing assessment for a hamstring issue. Rugani is available after an impressive performance against Lazio, and Kean’s fitness is being monitored daily.
