Paolo Vanoli and Franco Mastantuono react during Fiorentina’s Serie A match at Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sept 20, 2026.
Vanoli unveiled surprising starters for the Juventus showdown, insisting the side must lean on experience to dominate this crucial duel.
Kick‑off is set for 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET) at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Follow today’s five Serie A matches live in the blog as the action unfolds.
The rivalry’s bitter past ensures this is never a routine game, which fuels the Viola’s delight with recent wins.
Fiorentina remain unbeaten against Juventus since April 2024, boasting two victories and two draws.
Vanoli’s guidance for the squad – For my money, his balanced approach could be the key to ending Juventus’s dominance.
“Having lived this clash as both player and coach, I always stress what the jersey means, especially in fixtures like this,” Vanoli told DAZN Italia.
“We must wear it with pride, particularly in a match where history can be written.”
Pedro Gonçalves surprises as a starter, while Christ Inao Oulai replaces former Juventus midfielder Niccolò Fagioli.
“Balance also means mental strength,” Vanoli said. “Gonçalves thrives under pressure, so his experience should help. Yet the team’s biggest need is courage.”
“No player can be at 100 % every game; sometimes a break restores sharpness,” he added. “Oulai earned his chance, offering a different profile, but neither he nor Fagioli fit the classic playmaker mold.”
“We build to retain possession, preferring to defend with the ball at our feet,” Vanoli explained, “though we occasionally get over‑eager and push forward constantly.”
After four league games, Fabio Grosso was dismissed on Sept 6, prompting Vanoli’s return to the Franchi.
The change sparked an initial lift, yet only two points came from the next five rounds before Monday’s 4‑2 away win over struggling Sassuolo.