Vanoli: Fiorentina should be angry after drawing 2-2 with Juventus
Paolo Vanoli maintains that Fiorentina ‘ought to feel angry’ they merely drew 2-2 with Juventus after holding the lead on two occasions, yet this squad ‘is on the right path and it was a strong signal.’
The Viola began to entertain thoughts of defeating their arch-rivals at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, particularly after taking the lead within the first four minutes via a Mateo Pellegrino header.
Nick Woltemade subsequently equalized, and when Alieu Njie forced his way in at the back post, that goal too was nullified by a Gleison Bremer header from a corner kick.
Radu Dragusin had the ball inside the net for a third time, but the goal was ruled out due to the defender pushing Bremer.
Vanoli desired greater output from Fiorentina
FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 8: Head coach Fabio Grosso, manager of ACF Fiorentina, watches on during the Serie A fixture between ACF Fiorentina and Juventus at Stadio Artemio Franchi on November 8, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“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.”
Several unexpected selections appeared in the starting lineup, introducing Pedro Goncalves and Christ Inao Oulai instead of Marco Brescianini and Niccolò Fagioli.
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)
“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.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Mateo Pellegrino of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after netting a goal 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)
Pellegrino scored today, yet he has occasionally appeared somewhat isolated in attack when Fiorentina take the field.
“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.
FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 8: Christ Inao Oulai and Franco Mastantuono of ACF Fiorentina react 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)
Fiorentina have at least managed to escape the relegation zone through a three-match unbeaten streak, though they remain just two points ahead of Monza.
This result also prolongs their favorable record against Juventus, securing two victories and three draws since the 1-0 loss in April 2024.
