Vanoli: ‘Fiorentina need experience and balance’ against rivals Juventus

Vanoli: ‘Fiorentina need experience and balance’ against rivals Juventus Paolo Vanoli explains some of his unexpected Fiorentina picks against Juventus, insisting they need ‘experience’ to control this very important fixture. It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET). You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog. This is never a regular fixture due to the bitter history between the two clubs, which is why the Viola are so pleased with their recent results against their rivals. They are unbeaten against Juventus since April 2024, managing two wins and as many stalemates. Vanoli advice for Fiorentina FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Head coach Paolo Vanoli manager of ACF Fiorentina and Alex Jimenez Sanchez known as Alex of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Atalanta BC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 29, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) “I experienced this game as a player and a coach, I always tried to explain to the players what it means to wear this jersey, especially in a fixture like this,” Vanoli told DAZN Italia. “We need to represent it proudly in every game, above all one like this where we can write history.” Pedro Goncalves is a surprising pick , while Christ Inao Oulai is another unexpected starter instead of ex-Juventus midfielder Niccolò Fagioli. FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 15: Pedro Goncalves of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Coppa Italia match between ACF Fiorentina and Pisa SC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on September 15, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) “When I talk about balance, it also means mental strength. Goncalves is accustomed to this type of pressure, so I hope his experience can help him to handle the role. However, the most important thing the whole team needs is courage. “A player cannot be 100 per cent in every game, sometimes he needs a breather to recapture his sharpness. Oulai deserved an opportunity, he had very different characteristics, but I would say neither Oulai nor Fagioli are traditional playmakers,” explained Vanoli. “We are a team built to keep the ball and I like to defend with the ball at our feet, whereas sometimes we get a little over-excited and try to attack at all times.” FLORENCE, ITALY – AUGUST 14: Christ Inao Oulai of ACF Fiorentina in action during warm-up prior during of the Coppa Italia match between of ACF Fiorentina and Benevento Calcio at Artemio Franchi on August 14, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) Fiorentina have had another chaotic campaign, as Fabio Grosso was sacked on September 6 after just four competitive games, bringing Paolo Vanoli back to the Stadio Franchi. This initially brought a boost, then two points from five rounds until Monday’s 4-2 success away to troubled Sassuolo.