Vanoli: ‘Mastantuono shows what it means to be a champion, he will go far’
FLORENCE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 20: Head coach Paolo Vanoli manager of ACF Fiorentina reacts anf Franco Mastantuono of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SSC Napoli at Stadio Artemio Franchi on September 20, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Paolo Vanoli was full of praise for Fiorentina star Franco Mastantuono, whom he believes ‘will go far’ after a strong start to life in Serie A and another key performance in the 1-1 draw between the Viola and Napoli in Serie A on Sunday afternoon.
Fiorentina fought back to earn a point at home against Napoli in Serie A: Billy Gilmour opened the scoring midway through the first-half, which was matched by a 51st minute strike from Alex Jimenez.
Vanoli reacts after Fiorentina 1-1 Napoli: ‘Mastantuono will go far’
Fiorentina remain in 17th place after a difficult start to the 2026-27 season, which saw Fabio Grosso sacked after losing all of the first three matches of the season. They have since beaten Venezia 4-2 and have now picked up a point away against Napoli.
“I said that we shouldn’t look at the standings, rather concentrate on our own journey and what we do on the pitch,” said Vanoli in his post-match press conference.
“I thank our fans who have pushed us on all this time. Since I came in, everyone has made sacrifices for the team.”
It was put to Vanoli that Sunday’s draw feels more like a point earned rather than two dropped.
He said: “Napoli are a strong side, they’re coming off a Scudetto and a second-place finish. We faced the game with courage, despite the mistakes that we need to improve on. But today I saw the desire to get a result. The most important thing was the reaction after going behind.”
Vanoli had nothing but positive things to say about Real Madrid loanee Franco Mastantuono, who is showing excellent signs off the pitch as much as he is on it.
“I saw the talent from the outside, but there was no team. Now I’m seeing Mastantuono making sacrificial runs and that has to become the norm. Look at Lautaro yesterday. Champions shouldn’t just be measured on their goals, but in how they help their teammates. The players have understood that.
“After the Venezia match, Mastantuono was given the man of the match award and said that he thought the best player was Fagioli. I got goosebumps at that. That’s what it means to be a champion. He was born in 2007, scored three goals: I wouldn’t have had that level of calmness.
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