Fiorentina secured their Serie A safety with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Genoa at the Stadio Franchi on Sunday, a result that sparked mixed emotions. Coach Paolo Vanoli, who took over a side that had failed to win in its first 11 league matches, expressed relief but also acknowledged the fans' discontent. The point lifted the Viola above the relegation zone mathematically, ending a season-long struggle for survival.
'When I signed, I knew the situation was serious,' Vanoli said in his post-match press conference. 'This safety is dedicated to Rocco Commisso. He and his family have built so much for Florence—the training center, the stadium. Mistakes were made, but we reached the goal. Now we must look ahead with a smile.' The fans, however, voiced their frustration with whistles at full time, a reaction Vanoli understood. 'The supporters have the right to protest; they deserve a different Fiorentina,' he admitted. 'But the objective was strong, and we had to do everything to achieve it. I reached a target no one else has after zero wins in 11 games with a squad I didn't build. That must be said.'
Vanoli's achievement is remarkable given the circumstances. Inheriting a team in disarray, he guided them to safety with a pragmatic approach, but his future remains uncertain. When asked about offers from other clubs, he dismissed the speculation. 'No, come on. I'm not like those who seek publicity. I'm a straightforward person, and I've always thought only about this milestone.' The club's board will now evaluate plans for a higher-level squad, as Vanoli expects.
For Genoa, the draw extended their unbeaten run but also highlighted the challenges of playing without pressure. Coach Daniele De Rossi praised his side's effort despite the team being mathematically safe for weeks. 'The attack moved well, seeking depth without the ball. We weren't great at serving our forwards, but the pitch was slow and the game difficult. Better in the second half—it was a serious match,' De Rossi noted. 'It's not easy to maintain that attitude when you've been safe for 20 days.'
De Rossi, however, used the press conference to voice a sharp critique of Serie A's scheduling. With the final round still lacking confirmed kickoff times, the former Roma captain called for simultaneous matches to prevent any manipulation. 'It bothers me? No one knows [the times]—we're all in the same boat. Precisely because we're in Italy, it's good to keep simultaneity, given the ulterior motives,' he said, referencing the Italian phrase 'retropensieri' (hidden thoughts). His comments echo a broader debate in Italian football about competitive integrity, as last-day fixtures often involve teams with different stakes.
The scheduling issue is particularly sensitive in Serie A, where the final round has historically seen matches staggered, leading to accusations of favoritism or tactical advantages. De Rossi's call for synchronoous kickoffs resonated with many observers, who see it as a necessary safeguard against any potential collusion or unfair influence on relegation and European places. 'We are in Italy, and we must protect the competition,' he added, implying that vested interests could undermine the fairness of the season's climax.
On a personal note, De Rossi remained noncommittal about his future at Genoa. The 43-year-old, who started his coaching career at the club, emphasized his contentment without making promises. 'If I didn't want to stay, I wouldn't have even spoken to the president. I'm not making promises because I can't—nobody, aside from Chivu, is sure to remain today. I only know I'm happy here and in no rush to leave. The only promise I ever made was as a player, staying at Roma.' He expressed a desire to lead Genoa to Europe but stopped short of guaranteeing it.
De Rossi's stance contrasts with Vanoli's, who also faces an uncertain future despite his success. Both coaches have demonstrated resilience, but the summer transfer window looms as a period of change. For Fiorentina, Vanoli's tenure may be a one-season rescue act, while De Rossi's project in Genoa seems more long-term, provided the club's ambitions align.
The 0-0 draw, though low on goals, was rich in subtext. For Fiorentina, it marked the end of a grueling campaign; for Genoa, a statement of stability. Yet the real story emerged off the pitch, as De Rossi's critique of the schedule highlighted systemic issues that remain unresolved. As Serie A prepares for its final round, the debate over kickoff times is likely to intensify, with coaches and clubs demanding transparency.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
