Paolo Vanoli explains his extraordinarily attacking Fiorentina line-up towards Crystal Palace within the Conference League quarter-final. ‘Of course we believe, and we need players who can score goals.’
It kicks off on the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
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A minute’s silence will be held earlier than kick-off and Fiorentina are sporting black armbands following the loss of life of Alex Manninger, who was their goalkeeper in 2001-02.
“It’s a tragedy. I found out this afternoon. Alex was an exceptional lad, I was fortunate enough to play with him here in Florence, we are close to his family, it’s hard to find the words,” Vanoli told Sky Sport Italia.
Vanoli and Fiorentina face large hurdle
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Paolo Vanoli, Head Coach of Fiorentina seems on throughout the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
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The Viola are going to want one thing really extraordinary to succeed in their fourth consecutive Conference League semi-final, as a result of they had been crushed 3-0 within the first leg at Selhurst Park.
“Of course we all believe, so do these fans, who showed once again despite a difficult season that they are behind us. It is a dream, so we must always believe. When it comes to an achievement like this, the players must give 110 per cent.
“We are up against a strong opponent, but have been getting some good results lately in Serie A. As I said in the first leg, what disappointed me was not having a full squad to choose from in this tie.”
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: Coach Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina reacts throughout the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
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Moise Kean remains to be out injured, with Marco Brescianini, Fabiano Parisi, Tariq Lamptey and Niccolò Fortini, whereas Dodo is suspended at right-back.
It is a really attack-minded formation, with 4 strikers used collectively, plus inventive Nicolò Fagioli and Rolando Mandragora in midfield.
It’s not but clear whether or not Marin Pongracic or Pietro Comuzzo will be the makeshift right-back.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina seems on throughout the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
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“In order to achieve something remarkable, mentality and belief is the most important thing, as the players need to give their best performance of the season,” continued Vanoli.
“We know it’ll be tough, as Crystal Palace showed how they can punish the first mistake, but we’ve got to try something that would remain in the history of Fiorentina during a season that has been complicated from the start.”
The focus this season for Fiorentina was all the time on avoiding relegation from Serie A, and they have virtually achieved that now after breaking eight factors away from the drop zone.
That was achieved with Monday night’s 1-0 victory over Lazio, so a number of the crippling strain has been lifted.
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“When I made the line-up, I realised if you have to recover this deficit, you need players who can score goals. Robin Gosens is another, as he is very dangerous on set plays and runs to the back post. Everything can become important tonight,” concluded the coach.
