Fiorentina travel to Marassi with Paolo Vanoli balancing recovery, selection and the demands of a sixth Serie A matchday. Saturday’s 15:00 meeting with Genoa arrives after international commitments for some players, while an abdominal issue will keep Atta out of the contest.
The coach and the club
Vanoli confirmed that Atta will not be available against Genoa. The player has suffered a functional abdominal overload, and Fiorentina have opted not to rush his return.
“Atta will not be there tomorrow,” Vanoli said. “We have chosen to slow the recovery process a little and give him more specific work. We want him back at 100 per cent.”
The coach was more encouraging on Mastantuono, stressing both the youngster’s capacity to recover and his attitude after returning from international duty. Fiorentina have followed an individual recovery programme for him, and Vanoli said the player had impressed him with his commitment.
Vanoli also made clear that every player included in his squad for the Genoa match will be fit enough to feature. That principle will guide his decisions as Fiorentina prepare for an afternoon in which the details of selection may matter as much as the broader rhythm of the season.
A useful choice on the left
One of the decisions under consideration concerns Viery and Valdepeñas. Vanoli explained that his previous preference for Viery had been based on tactical requirements rather than a definitive hierarchy.
At the same time, he praised Valdepeñas for the impact he made against Napoli. The defender understood quickly what the match required when introduced, offering the coach another credible option for the coming fixtures.
“I selected Viery for tactical reasons, but I was pleased with Valdepeñas when he came on against Napoli,” Vanoli said. “He immediately understood the kind of game he had to play. For a coach, it is fortunate to have these sorts of selection battles.”
For Fiorentina, the Genoa trip is therefore not only about replacing an absent Atta. It is also another chance for Vanoli to assess a group in which fitness, recent work and competition for places are beginning to shape the club’s early championship path.
