Paolo Vanoli’s debut as a head coach in European competition ended in disappointment as Fiorentina fell 1-0 to AEK Athens in the UEFA Conference League, allowing the Greek side to leapfrog them in the group standings.

Vanoli, who replaced Stefano Pioli earlier this month, made seven changes from the team that lost 2-1 to Mainz in the previous matchday. One of those returning players, Edin Dzeko, came close to connecting with captain Luca Ranieri’s early through-ball but failed to make the crucial touch.

Fiorentina appeared to take the lead first when Albert Gudmundsson found the net, but VAR intervened, ruling Ranieri offside from Cher Ndour’s header following a corner. AEK capitalized on that reprieve, taking the lead in the 35th minute.

Ndour’s overhit pass ricocheted off Dzeko and fell to Stavros Pilios, who combined with Orbelin Pineda down the left flank before delivering a cross into the box. Mijat Gacinovic was on hand to finish sharply, giving the visitors the advantage.

Moments later, Luka Jovic, facing his former club, almost doubled AEK’s lead, but his effort from a Pilios cross went just over the bar, prompting boos from Fiorentina supporters frustrated with their side’s sluggish display.

Despite Fiorentina’s European pedigree—they have twice reached the final of this competition—they struggled to create meaningful chances after halftime. Ranieri was again flagged offside after the ball had found the net, frustrating the hosts further.

Vanoli made a double substitution just after the hour mark, introducing Moise Kean among others, but Fiorentina’s performance showed little improvement. They were lucky not to concede a second goal in the 73rd minute when Zini’s strike rattled the post.

That moment seemed to spark Fiorentina briefly, as Dzeko’s header from a Hans Nicolussi Caviglia corner struck the woodwork and Rolando Mandragora fired over soon after.

At the other end, Jovic came close to making his return a fairytale, but De Gea tipped his lob over the bar. Despite Fiorentina’s late pressure, AEK held on for a valuable victory, extending their unbeaten run to six games in all competitions (W5, D1) and climbing to 10th in the Conference League group standings.