Paolo Vanoli asserts that Fiorentina is confident and will adopt an attacking strategy against Crystal Palace in the Conference League quarter-final. The match is scheduled to start at 20:00 UK time.
Key points
Paolo Vanoli leads Fiorentina's attacking strategy
Fiorentina vs Crystal Palace in Conference League quarter-final
Match starts at 20:00 UK time
Held at Stadio Artemio Franchi
Mentioned in this story
Stadio Artemio Franchi
FiorentinaCrystal PalaceConference League
Vanoli: ‘Fiorentina have belief and will attack Crystal Palace’
Paolo Vanoli explains his extremely attacking Fiorentina line-up against Crystal Palace in the Conference League quarter-final. ‘Of course we believe, and we need players who can score goals.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
A minute’s silence will be held before kick-off and Fiorentina are wearing black armbands following the death 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 huge hurdle
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Paolo Vanoli, Head Coach of Fiorentina looks on during 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)
Q&A
What time does the Fiorentina vs Crystal Palace match start?
The match kicks off at 20:00 UK time.
What is Paolo Vanoli's strategy for the match against Crystal Palace?
Paolo Vanoli plans to use an extremely attacking line-up to maximize goal-scoring opportunities.
Where is the Fiorentina vs Crystal Palace match being held?
The match will take place at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
What is the significance of the match for Fiorentina?
This match is crucial as it is part of the Conference League quarter-finals, and Fiorentina aims to advance further in the tournament.
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The Viola are going to need something truly extraordinary to reach their fourth consecutive Conference League semi-final, because they were beaten 3-0 in 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 during 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)
It is a very attack-minded formation, with four strikers used together, plus creative Nicolò Fagioli and Rolando Mandragora in midfield.
It’s not yet clear whether Marin Pongracic or Pietro Comuzzo will be the makeshift right-back.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Paolo Vanoli of ACF Fiorentina looks on during 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)
“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 always on avoiding relegation from Serie A, and they have almost done that now after breaking eight points clear of the drop zone.
That was achieved with Monday evening’s 1-0 victory over Lazio, so some of the crippling pressure has been lifted.
“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.
