Fiorentina used a warm morning at Viola Park to connect preparation with memory, beating Signa 1914 9-0 in a three-part friendly that marked a century since the Viola’s first away fixture against the same local club.
There was a suitably local opening to the occasion at Bagno a Ripoli. Signa’s players arrived on the pitch wearing straw hats, a reference to the town’s long association with straw craftsmanship. After photographs, the visitors presented the hats to the Fiorentina squad, whose players took them to the bench as around 1,100 spectators gathered for the match.
A century-old meeting revisited
The fixture was more than a useful exercise for players seeking minutes. Fiorentina’s first trip away from home, 100 years ago, had been against Signa 1914, giving the friendly a place in the club’s wider history as well as in the current season’s work.
With David De Gea unavailable, Luca Ranieri wore the captain’s armband for the first time in nine months. His previous appearance as captain came in the Conference League defeat at Lausanne on 18 December 2025, when Fiorentina lost 1-0. Vanoli subsequently made De Gea the permanent captain, but Ranieri resumed the role for this occasion.
Nine goals across three periods
The game was played over three 30-minute periods, with Fiorentina taking full control from the beginning. Gonçalves, Wilfried Gnonto, Brescianini and Pellegrino each scored once, while Jallow and Mazzeo both struck twice. Pietropaolo completed the scoring in the 9-0 result.
Vanoli began with first-team players before progressively changing the side and giving younger members of the group an opportunity alongside more established teammates. Jallow, Mazzeo, Pietropaolo, Cianciulli, Boskovic, Mataràn, Perrotti, Turnone and Amenta were among those involved in front of the Viola Park crowd.
Useful signs for Vanoli
Dodo’s return from the start was one of the more notable elements of the afternoon. The Brazilian, who has recently been on the margins, grew into his display and offered an increasingly positive presence going forward.
Jimenez operated high on the right flank, with Gnonto on the left. The former Leeds player made a sharp impression, producing an assist and a goal within ten minutes.
Ranieri again played centrally in defence, though on the right rather than his more familiar left-sided position, with Viery stationed to his left. The 1999-born defender delivered his usual reliable and willing performance. Valdepeñas contributed assists, while Gonçalves continued his work towards full match fitness.
For Fiorentina, it was a gentle but productive chapter: a celebration of an old opponent, a crowded morning at the club’s training ground, and nine goals that allowed Vanoli to spread the workload across his squad.
