Vanoli: ‘Fiorentina have belief and will attack Crystal Palace’ Fiorentina manager Paolo Vanoli has emphasized the team’s attacking mindset ahead of their Conference League quarter-final clash against Crystal Palace, vowing to prioritize goal-scoring and belief despite the daunting task of overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit. The match, set for a 20:00 UK time kickoff at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, will also mark a somber moment for the club as a minute’s silence is observed before the game in honor of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who passed away recently. Manninger, who played for Fiorentina during the 2001-02 season, is remembered by Vanoli as an “exceptional lad” and a close friend, with the coach expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. Vanoli’s comments, shared with Sky Sport Italia, underscored the emotional weight of the occasion while also highlighting the tactical approach required to overcome Crystal Palace. “Of course we all believe, so do these fans, who showed once again despite a difficult season that they are behind us,” he said. “It is a dream, so we must always believe. When it comes to an achievement like this, the players must give 110 per cent.” The coach acknowledged the challenge posed by Crystal Palace, a team known for its ability to capitalize on defensive errors, but insisted that Fiorentina’s attacking philosophy and mental resilience would be key. The Viola’s path to the semi-finals is fraught with obstacles. After a 3-0 defeat in the first leg at Selhurst Park, Fiorentina must now rely on a dramatic turnaround, a feat that Vanoli described as “something truly extraordinary.” The team’s squad is further depleted by injuries and suspensions, with key players such as Moise Kean, Marco Brescianini, Fabiano Parisi, Tariq Lamptey, and Niccolò Fortini sidelined.#crystal_palace #fiorentina #paolo_vanoli #stadio_artemio_franchi #alex_manninger
Alex Manninger: Ex-Arsenal Goalkeeper Dies After Car Hit by Train Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48 following a tragic accident in Salzburg, Austria, where his car was struck by a train. The incident occurred on April 16, 2026, at approximately 08:20 local time (07:20 BST) at a level crossing. According to Salzburg police, first responders used a defibrillator on Manninger, who was alone in the vehicle, but could not revive him. The train driver was unharmed. Manninger, who played for Arsenal from 1997 to 2002, made 64 appearances for the club during his tenure. He was part of the team that won the Premier League and FA Cup during that period. However, he often played second fiddle to David Seaman, the England international goalkeeper, during his time at Highbury. Despite this, Manninger earned recognition for his performances, including a memorable FA Cup run in the 1997-98 season. He helped Arsenal defeat West Ham United on penalties in the sixth round of the FA Cup and delivered a standout display in a 2-1 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford. His efforts earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award for March 1998. Before joining Arsenal, Manninger began his career with his hometown club, Red Bull Salzburg. Over the course of his professional career, he played for 14 teams across Europe, including Siena, Juventus, Udinese, and Augsburg. In 2016, at the age of 39, he signed a short-term deal with Liverpool but did not make a competitive appearance for the club. Manninger also represented Austria at the international level, earning 33 caps and becoming a key member of the squad that participated in Euro 2008 in his home country.#arsenal #austria #alex_manninger #salzburg #red_bull_salzburg
