Paolo Vanoli Highlights David De Gea Ahead Of Europa Conference League Clash As Fiorentina Goalkeeper Continues To Struggle
Paolo Vanoli has called on David De Gea to show his experience after a run of poor form in Florence.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 28 November 2025
Fiorentina boss Paolo Vanoli has highlighted David De Gea ahead of La Viola’s Europa Conference League Clash against AEK Athens.
Vanoli Wants More From ‘Experienced’ De Gea
The Spanish shot-stopper has been identified by his new manager as a player that can help turn Fiorentina’s current form around, as the Serie A side continue their European run on November 27th.
La Viola have endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign so far, sitting 19th in Serie A after failing to win a single league match and picking up six-points from their three UECL encounters.
One man that has symbolized this struggle is former Manchester United shot-stopper, David De Gea, as the Spaniard has kept just two clean-sheets in 12 league appearances.
Performances in Europe have eased the pressure on the Fiorentina keeper’s shoulders, keeping two clean sheets in as many performances and La Viola were beaten 2-1 by Mainz most recently – which saw De Gea’s only absence of the season.
De Gea has not been the only noticeable straggler for Fiorentina this season, as the clubs’ top scorer from last season, Moise Kean, has scored just two goals in 13 appearances across all competitions.
This poor run of form has caused Fiorentina to consider the sale of Kean in January and rely on veteran striker, Edin Dzeko.
Vanoli is said to be a huge fan of the Bosnian striker, but the Fiorentina manager wants more from both De Gea and Dzeko to help La Viola emerge from a tough moment.
The Italian said: “We’ve got to rotate with intelligence and understand the importance of the competition. This is why I can confirm that David De Gea and Edin Dzeko will start, because they have great experience and can help us emerge from this tough moment.”
Fiorentina Unable To Call Upon Star Defender
Although De Gea and Dzeko are in line to start for La Viola, the Serie A side will not be able to call upon Brazilian full-back Dodo after the Fiorentina star’s knock against Juventus.
The 27-year-old was forced off during Fiorentina’s 1-1 stalemate with Juventus on November 22nd, after feeling some discomfort in his right hip flexor.
Kenan Yildiz has recently been linked with a move to Real Madrid and was causing Dodo huge problems in the opening 45 minutes and the Brazilian did not return for the second-half.
Not only will Dodo miss Fiorentina’s Europa Conference League clash, but the Brazilian is also set to be on the sidelines for La Viola’s Serie A encounter against Atalanta on November 30th.
Dodo has started in every Serie A match this season and is currently negotiating a new deal with Fiorentina, as his contract in Italy is set to expire in June 2027.
The Brazilian was linked with a move to Juventus during the recent summer transfer window, but the Bianconeri ended their pursuit after Fiorentina priced the defender at €30million.
Vanoli will also be unable to utilize Robin Gosens, Tariq Lamptey and Christian Kouame as the trio continue their recoveries from injury.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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