Edin Dzeko Slams ‘Negative’ Fiorentina Fans After La Viola’s Shock Conference League Defeat

Edin Dzeko has hit back at Fiorentina fans after La Viola suffered a disappointing defeat by AEK Athens in the Europa Conference League.

Edin Dzeko Slams ‘Negative’ Fiorentina Fans

Fiorentina were on the receiving end of another European defeat, as Paolo Vanoli’s side offered very little threat against AEK Athens.

Albert Gudmundsson appeared to have broken the deadlock for Fiorentina after 17 minutes as the Icelandic midfielder latched on to Cher Ndour’s flick from a corner. However, VAR ruled the goal out for offside.

The visitors took the lead shortly after, as Mijat Gacinovic finished off a swift counter attack and the Serbian’s strike caused jeers to ring around Stadio Artemio Franchi.

This reaction from the home crowd was an ever-present feature of the match and highlighted the views of supporters following Fiorentina’s poor start to the season.

Edin Dzeko, who has started to feature more regularly as Fiorentina look to sell Moise Kean in January, took issue with the supporters actions during his post match interview.

Dzeko said: “The moment a player makes a mistake and the jeers start coming down, then next time he will feel anxious and perhaps not try to risk the pass, or he doesn’t want the ball at his feet. It all becomes more difficult then.

“We need more support from the stands. I understand it’s difficult at the moment, and the stadium situation is a bit strange, but we’ve got to have more support when we are playing at home. Otherwise the negative energy just keeps spiraling.”

The Bosnian striker joined Fiorentina as a free agent during the recent summer transfer window, but the veteran striker has scored just two goals in 15 appearances across all competitions.

Dzeko’s poor form is symbolic of Fiorentina’s overall struggles this season, as La Viola have now lost two consecutive Conference League matches and are winless in Serie A.

Paolo Vanoli has overseen three matches since taking the reins from Stefano Pioli and the Italian manager is yet to secure a victory after three matches.

Paolo Vanoli Defends Edin Dzeko

The Fiorentina manager was clearly distressed after his side’s European defeat, as La Viola dropped down to 17th in the Conference League table.

Prior to the 2025/26 season, many supporters expected Fiorentina to be battling the likes of Como and Bologna for a top four finish, but the performances between the two sides have been vastly different.

After a strong start to the season, Como are on track to secure a European spot and Bologna are one of the most in-form teams in Serie A – while Fiorentina sit in the relegation zone.

Failing to win a league match has irked Fiorentina supporters hugely, something that Dzeko has taken an issue with and Vanoli believes that the Bosnian was correct to hit back at the jeers.

Vanoli said: “I feel Dzeko meant it in a positive way, pointing out there are many young players in this squad and they are struggling right now.

“We know the situation, but must also be aware that it is a long-running situation. We are wrong to think that if we win one game, the problems are over. I knew there would be highs and lows in this journey.

La Viola will need to put this issue behind them for their upcoming Serie A clash on November 30th, as Paolo Vanoli’s side travel to Bergamo to face an Atalanta team that earned a 3-0 victory in their latest Champions League outing.