Fiorentina’s manager, Paolo Vanoli, has acknowledged his team’s recent dip in form following a goalless draw against Parma. The result means that they are out of the relegation zone for the first time since October 2024. Despite this, the performance drew jeers from fans at the final whistle.
Vanoli’s Assessment of the Parma Draw
Vanoli addressed the team’s performance in his press conference. He noted their slow play in the first half and inaccurate crosses. He said that they didn’t attack the penalty area in the right way.
He did concede that the second half was better and that they could have won. However, he also stated that these games are always balanced. Vanoli expressed disappointment but acknowledged the point gained allowed them to break away from Cremonese.
Fiorentina had previously shown signs of improvement with a string of positive results. Now, they have managed just one draw in their last three matches, failing to score in 250 minutes of Serie A football.
Vanoli stated that football is strange sometimes. He added that in his first two months, they had many chances, but ups and downs are natural. He said that they didn’t attack the back post or have the right service. He also stated that compared to the defeat to Udinese last week, they had a better xG today. He finished by saying that they just weren’t inventive enough.
“I always said the fans are important to us and if they felt the need to jeer, we have to accept it. We must be aware that it’ll be a battle to the very end. We aren’t giving enough, yet it is all we have right now.”
Reasons for Fiorentina’s Lack of Energy
Vanoli was asked if he recognised that there had been steps backward in the last couple of weeks. He was also asked about progress that had been made.
“That is a fair analysis, we are lacking a bit of energy at the moment. Against Udinese was the fifth game in 16 days, I evidently didn’t manage to get the batteries recharged,” confessed Vanoli.
Vanoli also highlighted a lack of quality in one-on-one situations. He said he was angry in the first half because Dodo was keeping Jack Harrison pinned back too deep. He said that they were more aggressive after the break, but were still too static and this made it easier for the Parma defenders.
The absence of Moise Kean and Manor Solomon also contributed to the lack of goals. Both players suffered knocks in recent matches and were not on the bench.
Kean and Solomon Injury Updates
Vanoli provided updates on the injured players. “Moise has an inflammation in the ankle after a blow in Udine, we tried to get him on the bench, but he continued to feel pain. Now we hope he’ll be available for the Conference League,” explained Vanoli.
Regarding Solomon, Vanoli said: “Solomon is continuing treatment and we’ll see if we can get him fit before the break for international duty or after.”
Fiorentina face a critical week ahead. They have the Conference League Round of 16 with Rakow and then a relegation tussle with Cremonese.