Vanoli: ‘Fiorentina ought to feel angry at 2-2 Juventus draw’
FLORENCE, ITALY - NOVEMBER 08: Head coach Paolo Vanoli manager of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Juventus at Stadio Artemio Franchi on November 8, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Paolo Vanoli insists Fiorentina ‘ought to feel angry’ they only drew 2-2 with Juventus after leading twice, but this team ‘is on the right path and it was a strong signal.’
The Viola had started to dream of beating their bitter rivals at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, especially after taking the lead in the opening four minutes with a Mateo Pellegrino header.
However, Nick Woltemade drew level, and when Alieu Njie bundled in at the back post, that too was cancelled out by the Gleison Bremer header on a corner.
Radu Dragusin had the ball in the net for a third time, but it was disallowed for the defender’s push on Bremer.
Vanoli wanted more from Fiorentina
“I think we had a great performance against a strong opponent,” Vanoli told DAZN Italia.
“We honoured what our fans asked for, and it must disappoint us that we did not get the full three points. These are young players and we ought to give them more confidence, I think we played well today, and also know there is a lot of work to be done.”
There were some surprising choices in the starting XI, bringing in Pedro Goncalves and Christ Inao Oulai rather than Marco Brescianini and Niccolò Fagioli.
“Before kick-off, people said my line-up was courageous. If we want to play football, then it’s not about using players who are more defensive or more offensive, it’s about everyone working hard and chasing down opponents,” added Vanoli.
“I think today these lads did that. I feel this is the right path, we need to do better and have more determination on the ball, or when winning it back, which is something we still don’t do well enough. These are things we need to improve, but it was still a strong signal.
“My players ought to be angry, because even if they are young and inexperienced, they should be upset at putting in such a great performance and not winning the game. We all expect more.”
Pellegrino was on target today, but has seemed at times a little isolated in attack when Fiorentina play.
“We are trying to give him better service, but above all get closer to him, as we tend to give him the ball and then aren’t ready for when he holds it up. Franco Mastantuono also needs to come between the lines and dialogue with Pellegrino, which Pedro Goncalves does better because he is more accustomed to that cut inside.
“This is a team that wants to do something important, we are on the right track and must keep working on it,” confessed Vanoli.
Fiorentina have at least managed to scramble their way out of the relegation zone with a three-round unbeaten run, but are only two points clear of Monza.
This also extends their positive streak against Juventus, managing two wins and three stalemates since the 1-0 defeat in April 2024.
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