Vanoli played for many clubs, including Hellas Verona, Parma, and Fiorentina (for 9 billion lire fee in co-ownership deal; €4.648 million[1][2]), having also two spells abroad: Scottish Premier League club Rangers from August 2003 to January 2005,[3][4] scoring once against Dundee,[5] and Akratitos in Greece (2005–06).

[6][7][8] Vanoli was also an Italian international, playing twice and scoring once on his debut in a 3–1 defeat against Belgium in 1999.

[citation needed] On 17 December 2021, Vanoli joined Spartak Moscow as manager, signing a contract until the end of the 2022–23 season.

[14] On 7 November 2022, Vanoli was hired as the new head coach of Serie B struggling club Venezia, signing a contract until 30 June 2024.

[15] In his second season in charge, Vanoli guided Venezia to Serie A promotion after defeating Cremonese in a two-legged playoff.