Vanoli demands a stronger Fiorentina defence after 2-2 draw with Atalanta

After Fiorentina and Atalanta drew 2-2 at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, Fiorentina coach Vanoli called for defensive improvement. The sides shared four goals and a point apiece, but Zalewski’s 74th-minute equaliser denied Fiorentina a victory it badly needed.

Fiorentina manager Paolo Vanoli was particularly troubled by the way his side conceded. “The goals are a problem and we are trying to solve it. Injuries are not helping either, because they force us into so many changes. The problem is the team’s attitude. We cannot concede two goals in that manner,” he said.

Vanoli also pointed to the situations behind the goals: De Ketelaere got beyond Ndour for the first, while Zalewski was given too much room to shoot for the second. “We need more defensive mentality. The performance was great, but we have to finish the job,” he said. He also defended his young players, saying Oulai needed time to develop, and praised João Mário for making the most of his opportunity.

Atalanta coach Maurizio Sarri, meanwhile, took encouragement from the quality of the contest despite the difficulties both teams have faced. “For two teams in difficulty, I saw a good match. Fiorentina were better at the beginning, then we created the conditions to score. Given the moment we are going through, that is a lot,” he said.

Sarri described the second half as unusual, pointing to the referee’s injury and to Fiorentina’s momentum when attacking towards the Curva Fiesole. After the 2-2, he said, Atalanta might even have won, but both sides had to accept the result and be pleased with their performances. “The fans were not bored tonight,” he added.

The draw came amid a difficult start to the Serie A season for both clubs. After nine matches, Atalanta are 12th on 11 points, while Fiorentina are 18th on five, leaving a six-point gap between them. Atalanta have three wins, two draws and four defeats; Fiorentina have one win, two draws and six defeats. The difference is also reflected in the goals: Atalanta have scored 16 and conceded 17, while Fiorentina have scored 11 and let in 21. Across their last five league matches, Atalanta have one win, two draws and two losses. Fiorentina are still without a win in that span, with two draws and three defeats.