Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano believes being solid and cynical made the difference in his teams 4-1 win over Genoa. La Viola started the match in ruthless fashion, pressing high and taking an early lead through a stunning solo effort from Cristiano Biraghi, with Giacomo Bonaventura adding to the tall just minutes later. Nico Gonzalez sealed the result shortly before half time and Rolando Mandragora added a fourth with half an hour of the match still to play.
Speaking in his post-match presser, Italiano was pleased with the result but refused to get too
“Tonight being concrete and cynical made the difference. The team, when it gets inside the penalty area, has to be mature, it has to know that to direct games you need the instinct of the goal. We addressed a match that we feared. We were good at approaching it and going in without fear. It is clear that there are some players are not 100 percent and we have to get the new guys integrated. However we gave a good performance, after last year we have grown, I am happy.”
What made you play Kayode? How did you see the new players on the pitch?
“Kayode arrived very charged and happy from the national team, he is good, has a great engine and character. Dodó has not been training 100% because of a foot problem, so I wanted to reward Kayo. He did well, because he amazed everyone, I congratulate him. He showed the character he always puts on the field, even in training. He has to stay focused. Arthur played well, we need to get him in condition right away, he needs to put some minutes on his legs. I liked Nzola. We needed that, it gave us a chance to breathe and gain space. It was a positive game in all respects. We have a very long road ahead of us.”
On Beltran
“The Argentine has a great capacity for sacrifice and a desire to help his teammates. He is a boy who will give us so much, he will have to get into the new idea of football.”
On last year and the new signings
“The team has to take advantage of the two years it has of work. It has to allow us to bring in players we wanted and who can make us make an important leap in quality. Last year taught us a lot. However, we are in the first day, the new grafts will serve to improve. Arthur has to give quality. Nzola will put in physicality and attacking depth, then if he doesn’t score it won’t be a problem, if he gives his soul, fights and runs, it will be a satisfaction for the coach.”
Is Arthur more of a regista or a mezz’ala?
“Today we were good because Genoa changed their system of play several times. Arthur will have to be able to do everything, because he varied a lot tonight as well. He can play in so many areas of the field, he will have to adapt to any situation.”
[Image from https://www.acffiorentina.com/en]
