Paolo Vanoli is on the hunt for his inaugural victory as Fiorentina head coach, leading a squad that includes Edin Dzeko, Albert Gudmundsson, and David De Gea in their Conference League match against Luka Jovic’s AEK Athens.
The match is set to commence at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 20:00 GMT.
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GENOA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Paolo Vanoli, head coach of Fiorentina, observes the match before the Serie A clash between Genoa CFC and ACF Fiorentina at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
The Viola have struggled this season, having sacked Stefano Pioli and yet to secure a Serie A victory.
Despite a strong start in the Conference League with victories over Sigma Olomouc and Rapid Vienna, they suffered a setback by conceding a lead to lose 2-1 against Mainz under interim manager Daniele Galloppa.
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Since his appointment, Vanoli has managed draws in Serie A against Genoa and Juventus, making this his UEFA coaching debut.
He faces challenges with injuries to Dodo, Robin Gosens, and Tariq Lamptey, along with Roberto Piccoli who is not fully fit due to a sprained ankle.
Vanoli has confirmed that Dzeko and De Gea will be in the starting lineup, citing their vital experience in this challenging period.
They will be supported in midfield by Rolando Mandragora and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, with Albert Gudmundsson leading the attack.
GENOA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: David De Gea of Fiorentina celebrates saving a penalty from Lorenzo Colombo of Genoa (not pictured) during the Serie A match at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on November 09, 2025. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
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AEK Athens boasts a lineup full of former Serie A talents, including ex-Viola forward Luka Jovic, former Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, Roberto Pereyra, and former Cagliari midfielder Razvan Marin.
They are dealing with injuries to Frantzdy Pierrot and Dereck Kutesa, while Joao Mario, a former Inter midfielder, is among those not listed on the UEFA squad due to late signing.
AEK has experienced a mixed bag of results in the Conference League, having lost 3-1 to NK Celje, hyped up with a 6-0 victory over Aberdeen FC, and recently drawing 1-1 against Shamrock Rovers.
Fiorentina vs. AEK Athens Line-ups
Fiorentina: De Gea; Pongracic, Comuzzo, Ranieri; Fortini, Mandragora, Nicolussi Caviglia, Ndour, Parisi; Gudmundsson, Dzeko
Fiorentina Bench: Lezzerini, Martinelli, Sohm, Pablo Mari, Kean, Fazzini, Kospo, Richardson, Viti, Fagioli, Kouadio, Piccoli
AEK Athens: Strakosha; Rota, Moukoudi, Relvas, Pilios; Marin, Pineda; Gacinovic, Pereyra, Koita; Jovic
AEK Bench: Angelopoulos, Brignoli, Grujic, Mantalos, Vida, Penrice, Kosidis, Chrysopoulos, Zini
Referee: Jones (ENG)