Coach Stefano Pioli delivered a post-match press conference after his side were held to a 1-1 draw against Cagliari in Matchday 1 of Serie A 2025/26. Here’s some of what our boss had to say:

“The match was indeed a real challenge. In the first half we lacked any sort of rhythm and ideas. It’s a fair result but it’s disappointing to have conceded a goal because of poor positioning. These things can happen at the beginning of a season, though. We let the victory slip through our fingers. We need to work harder.”

“I hope that we get used to playing two games a week because we need to go as far as possible in the cup competitions. We struggled to read certain situations well today. We needed to have a better understanding as to where we should attack. Cagliari deserve a lot of credit. As for what's missing from this Fiorentina team, I know the club is ready to improve this squad. It’ll be very much necessary.”

"The defence is trying to do what I ask of them. We’re not up to speed yet but that’s to be expected as we’re in August still. We need to improve in many facets of play in general. [Luca] Ranieri wasn't doing great so I took him off - he wasn't injured. Given that we played on Thursday it was to be expected that changes were going to be made.”

"As for [Rolando] Mandragora, he’s a smart player with great personality. He’s important to us. I'm happy that he's almost back to his best. He’s a player who needs to be front and centre of this Fiorentina side.”