VENICE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 11: ACF Fiorentina head coach Paolo Vanori during the Serie A match between Venezia Football Club and ACF Fiorentina at the Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium on September 11, 2026 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Paolo Vanoli says he has been keen to return to Fiorentina but warned the Viola are still a long way from the final product despite beating Venezia 4-2 on Friday night.
Vanoli left Fiorentina at the end of the 2025-26 season after leading the team through a difficult season from start to finish. He was subsequently recalled to replace Fabio Grosso, who was fired after just three games in the 2026-27 season.
Vanoli’s first game back in charge will be an away game against Venezia on Friday night. In the end the visiting team won 4-2 Thanks to a hat-trick from Franco Mastantono and an equalizing goal from Matteo Pellegrino.
You can check the progress of the match on the Italian Football Live blog.
Vanoli reacts after Venice 2-4 Fiorentina
Although Fiorentina looked transformed in Vanoli’s first game back in charge, the coach insists they still have work to do.
“We have to start over. We have a team that fascinates me because they are talented, but talent alone doesn’t get you anywhere. We have to become a team first and teach these young people that in Italian football if you don’t run for your teammates you will be in trouble,” Vanori told DAZN after full time (via TMW).
“I came back to Fiorentina because this team really excites me.”
So what did Vanoli have to say to his players a week before his second debut as Fiorentina manager?
“I told the lads we have to start with this blank canvas. First of all we have to work on the mentality but I’m lucky to have a young squad who are all like sponges. This team has a strong future but we have to keep our feet on the ground.
“I saw a lot of good things today, but there are also a lot of areas for improvement. It takes patience to see these young players grow.”
What was his reaction when Fabio Paratici called him and asked him to come back after a few months away?
“I answered very enthusiastically. I would like to thank the Commisso family, they have always thanked me and I thank them too. I come back excited, knowing that there is a project built for the future and a team of high quality. We have to be patient.
“What happened in the past is in the past, now we have done some good things and we hope to do more for the future.
“Since I’ve been back at the Viola Park, I’ve seen the crazy desire and that was reflected tonight. It’s been a long journey, but since the summer Fiorentina have wanted to build something for the future.
“We wanted redemption tonight. I told the kids it starts with being a team. Our first priority is winning back these fans, who can help us score a lot of important points in the long run.”