Vanoli: ‘I’m in love with De Bruyne, Allegri is a winner’
VENICE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 11: Head coach of ACF Fiorentina Paolo Vanoli during the Serie A match between Venezia FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on September 11, 2026 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Coach Paolo Vanoli is ‘in love with Kevin De Bruyne’ and warns Fiorentina that ‘preventative marking is essential’ when dealing with Max Allegri’s Napoli.
It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday at 11.30 UK time (12.30 CEST).
The coach had already revitalised the Viola last season, steering them from rock bottom to Serie A safety, and has been recalled to try it again after Fabio Grosso’s dismissal.
He got off to an ideal start, winning 4-2 away to Venezia and then securing a 3-0 Coppa Italia victory over Pisa.
Vanoli revitalising Fiorentina again
“I’ve always said this team needs to look to the future,” said Vanoli in his press conference.
“We are up against a strong Napoli team, so we need to play with courage and no fear. I’ve told the lads what I want. Even if Napoli are missing some players, they can still challenge for the Scudetto this season and have players who can change the game.
“I am in love with De Bruyne, he can get into those spaces and cause us problems. Allegri is a winner, and his concept of sitting back can be a strategy, but it means we need to be even more precise in our passing, because they’re ready to go on the counter-attack.
“I’d say Rasmus Hojlund is the quickest striker in Serie A in open play. This is why preventative marking is going to be essential.”
Vanoli has been working on team-building exercises, including a barbecue at the training ground yesterday.
“It was important to spend time together and create a sense of togetherness. When we achieve certain targets, I’ll take the lads out for dinner as my treat.”
Having just arrived, the coach is trying to find his ideal starting XI, which could include Christ Inao Oulai and Nicolò Fagioli together as double playmakers.
“I think for the style of football we have, two playmakers could work together. The keyword here is balance, we have young players and too often we lose our balance when defending.”
Arthur Atta and Radu Dragusin have shaken off knocks and are available, although it remains to be seen if they will be ready to start, while Mateo Pellegrino and Beto are battling for the centre-forward role.
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