Fiorentina head into Sunday’s home meeting with Napoli with Paolo Vanoli placing the emphasis on selection, fitness and accountability rather than old assumptions. The Franchi will host the fifth round fixture at 12.30 on 20 September, with the coach confirming improved options in his squad and making clear that places must be earned.
The decision
Vanoli has named Pedro Gonçalves and Mastantuono as Fiorentina’s designated penalty takers. Both have the quality for the responsibility, but the order will depend on which players are on the pitch.
“Pedro Gonçalves takes them well, as does Mastantuono,” Vanoli said. “There is an order based on who is playing, though it is right that every player can show personality on the field. After last season’s mistakes, I do not want to get this situation wrong again.”
The coach also delivered encouraging news from the treatment room. Atta has recovered, although Vanoli noted that the player had lacked continuity during recent training sessions. Dragusin is also available after training with the group on the eve of the match.
Dodo’s position was addressed in similarly direct terms. Vanoli said the Brazilian remains part of the club’s plans, while accepting that the internal order may not be identical to last season.
“Every player is in the project for me, especially those I know,” he said. “Some positions in the hierarchy may have changed from last year, but Dodo has to work to win his place. Since I arrived, he has trained very well. Nothing else matters.”
Sunday’s picture
Fiorentina welcome Napoli to the Franchi on Sunday 20 September, with kick-off scheduled for 12.30 in Serie A’s fifth round. Vanoli will have Atta and Dragusin in contention, while the contest also offers Dodo another opportunity to press his case within a squad where the coach has signalled that previous status carries limited weight.
