Vanoli reveals Fiorentina crisis and last minute decision on Kean for 1-0 victory

FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 4: Head coach Paolo Vanoli manager of ACF Fiorentina reacts 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)

Paolo Vanoli reveals Fiorentina were dealing with far more problems than people realised this week, while match winner Moise Kean wasn’t even meant to be on the bench against Cremonese.

The Viola had announced that the press silence would continue today, but changed their minds after the last-gasp win.

Kean came off the bench to bundle over the line, ready to meet the rebound from a parried Niccolò Fortini header on debutant Manor Solomon’s cross.

Fiorentina had more problems than people realised

“We had a lot of problems this week, there was a flu bug going through the whole squad, we had lots of players and indeed members of staff including me who had a fever,” revealed Vanoli in his press conference.

“Those who were really ill included Gudmundsson, Mandragora and Sohm. The lads were exceptional, because with so many unwell, they kept pushing and I was honestly surprised how consistent Albert was over the 90 minutes.”

There were also some last-minute absentees to add to the list, while Kean missed several training sessions due to a personal matter.

“This morning Edin Dzeko had some swelling on his ankle, so was not available. We all suffered after the defeat to Parma, but we didn’t play that badly, so I told my players to persevere,” continued Vanoli.

“We have improved a few aspects and Solomon will help bring qualities we were lacking. If we can bring in other alternatives in the transfer window, then we could consider varying to 4-2-3-1, but for now we want to give some more consistency.

“I want to say I was very glad to see Fagioli play with so much confidence. I had the feeling we were on the right track, we’ve got to be more consistent in front of goal after 60 shots in three games, but we are heading in the right direction.

“We need the spirit of pushing to the end and always believing, because in the final few minutes today De Gea made a big save and then Kean scored.”

The coach reveals that originally, Kean wasn’t even supposed to be part of the squad.

“Kean had an agreement with the club for a while and this situation could no longer be postponed, so he left and I told him that he wouldn’t be on the bench today.

“However, as Dzeko got hurt this morning, and Kean had worked hard, I decided to put him on the bench. I don’t want anyone throwing dirt on this situation, there is nothing to be controversial about.”