Vanoli's first match back in charge of Fiorentina ended in a 4-2 win at Venezia, secured thanks to a Franco Mastantuono hat-trick, giving the Viola their first Serie A points of the season.
Venezia FC head coach Giovanni Stroppa was left to rue a chaotic finish that let the visitors pull away after his side had stayed competitive against a dominant opponent for long spells.
"I think we were too frantic in the first half, we conceded the 2-1 from a slip by one of our defenders. I'd asked for balance at the end of the first half. We conceded the third goal while I was making a substitution for Moreno, who had cramp, and the 4-1 came from a deflection. Then there's the momentum of the 4-2, the ball for a possible 4-3. We only had three shots on target," Stroppa said.
"It's a defeat that stings, that hurts, we have to think positively. The injury crisis at the back has affected us since the start of the season. We've lost Busio, who makes himself felt in midfield. I'm pleased with Moreno's performance. I hope Juan Jesus can give us personality and the ability to be more balanced."
Vanoli, by contrast, praised his young side's response after falling behind early through Akor Adams.
"I told the lads a chapter was closed because I'm tired of talking about last year, we're putting it in a drawer, today there's a different team with an identity to build, this team is young and talented. In youth you can make mistakes," Vanoli said.
"Mastantuono is the example: he did brilliantly defensively and also scored three goals. Going 1-0 down, I saw a clear-headed team. Even the players on the bench really gave a hand. Today is a start, we're laying a small brick to give something important back to Florence."
Vanoli, back at Fiorentina for a second spell, thanked the Commisso family for their support during his time away and said he had rushed back the moment he was called.
"This team excites me. It's a young team that maybe lacks an experienced player, but leadership can be built, there's quality," he said. "Mastantuono is a 2007, credit to the club for that. I want to thank the Commisso family: when I left they always gave me important support. When they called me back I grabbed my suitcase and ran."
Stroppa's side remain bottom of the table without a point after four matches, while Vanoli's Fiorentina climb to 15th with three points on the board following the win at the Pier Luigi Penzo.