Vanoli: ‘Fiorentina change of tactics important, but mentality even more so’

Fiorentina coach Paolo Vanoli gives some credit to the change of tactical system, but warns Milan that their ‘mentality’ is the real boost.

It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 14.00 GMT (15.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Albert Gudmundsson of ACF Fiorentina (obscured) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on January 07, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

The Viola are still deep in the relegation zone, but have bolstered their prospects considerably in recent weeks with two victories and a dramatic 2-2 draw away to Lazio.

They are facing Milan this afternoon and ex-Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci meets up with his old coach.

“I was fortunate enough to train Samuele Ricci and I am glad to see him doing so well,” Vanoli told DAZN Italia.

Vanoli on what changed at Fiorentina

ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Robin Gosens of ACF Fiorentina celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Albert Gudmundsson and Nicolo Fagioli during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on January 07, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“The change of mentality was needed, to understand the situation we were in, that we could only get out of it if we stayed united.

“We are beginning to find a sense of consistency. We’re up against a physical, strong side that is unbeaten since August with a great coach.

“We need to keep focusing on our own improvement in the details and maintain that progress.”

Moise Kean returns to the starting XI after two games as a substitute, though Edin Dzeko and Tariq Lamptey are injured.

Pablo Mari left the training camp last night, as he is on his way to join Simone Inzaghi’s Al-Hilal.

FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 4: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Cremonese at Artemio Franchi on January 4, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Among the biggest changes that Vanoli enacted to revitalise the team was a change to the 4-3-3 formation.

“Gudmundsson is giving us a big hand in that position, as he has technique and can take men on. We’ve added Solomon and Brescianini, who can add an extra gear that we didn’t have before,” explained the coach.

“I still think the mentality was the big difference, when I arrived we felt rather lost in the whole situation, but the first half against Lazio was a great example of how we didn’t play that well, but we kept our heads, continued to fight, and that allowed us to get the result back on track.”