The forward joined Fiorentina from Leeds United on loan in September and is now working to establish himself under Vanoli, who returned to the club after Fabio Grosso’s dismissal.
Speaking to Sportmediaset, Gnonto admitted that playing for Italy remains an ambition, but insisted it is not currently dominating his thoughts.
“Obviously, we all know what the national team represents for us footballers. Now I have to look at it from a distance. It remains a dream and an objective, but now I have to think about Fiorentina, about doing well here. If I return one day, I will be happy, but it is not the first thing on my mind.”
Gnonto was then asked whether putting pressure on Roberto Mancini was one of his objectives. His answer reflected where his focus lies after moving to Florence.
“That always is, but first I want to make things difficult for coach Vanoli here. There are many young players both at Fiorentina and with Italy, and I would be very happy to be one of them.”
The 22-year-old has arrived at Fiorentina on a season-long loan from Leeds, with the move giving him the chance to return to Italy after leaving the country in 2020. Leeds confirmed that the deal runs until the end of the 2026/27 season.
Gnonto also addressed the versatility that has become part of his reputation. Rather than seeing his ability to play several roles as purely an advantage, he acknowledged that it can bring its own demands.
“Both, it’s a compliment and a trap. You always have to be ready to do many things. I don’t think it’s a problem for me, but sometimes it can be difficult.”
Vanoli’s arrival has given Gnonto and the rest of the Fiorentina squad a chance to reset after the club dismissed Grosso following three league defeats at the start of the season. The new coach has stressed the need to build again with a young squad.
“I am open,” Gnonto said. “Vanoli asked us to forget what happened before, to start from zero, from a blank page. I have so much desire to prove myself, I have enthusiasm and I am very happy to be here. I want to work hard and have fun.”
Fiorentina confirmed Vanoli’s return after Grosso was dismissed following three defeats in the opening three league matches. Sportmediaset has since highlighted the coach’s emphasis on starting again with a young squad, a message that closely matches Gnonto’s description of the reset.
The loan also gives Gnonto an opportunity to play regularly in Serie A after making 29 appearances for Leeds across all competitions last season. Leeds said he helped the club retain its Premier League status after previously playing a significant role in the 2024/25 Championship title-winning campaign.
For now, though, the winger’s message is straightforward: the national team remains an ambition, but his attention is on earning Vanoli’s trust in Florence.