Ajax began 2025 with a 2-2 draw in their friendly match against VfB Stuttgart. Francesco Farioli's side found themselves trailing 2-0 after just twenty minutes but fought back in the second half. The 2-1 came via an own goal by the German side, while Chuba Akpom secured the final scoreline at 2-2.
The friendly match between VfB Stuttgart and Ajax ended in a 2-2 draw. The German side took a 2-0 lead within the first 20 minutes of Ajax's opening game of 2025 under Francesco Farioli. In the second half, Ajax fought back to equalise through an own goal and a strike by Chuba Akpom: 2-2.
A head coach is always in the spotlight, but he cannot do without good and loyal assistants. This season, Ajax is led by Francesco Farioli, who receives support and complete dedication from his compatriot Daniele Cavalletto, the Dutchman Dave Vos, and the Spaniard Felipe Sanchez Mateos. But what exactly do these assistant coaches stand for, and how do they experience working in Amsterdam? Time for an in-depth introduction.
With Christmas around the corner and a busy first half of the year as Ajax's coach behind him, it's time to give Francesco Farioli a few hours of relaxation. We take Farioli to the Museumplein, past the ice rink and the Van Gogh Museum, and have an in-depth conversation with the Italian about his first months in Amsterdam, the players, his family, and his love for art.