Vincenzo Italiano confirmed that youngster Michael Kayode picked up a ‘bad’ ankle sprain in Fiorentina’s 6-0 win over Cukaricki. La Viola were a goal up after 6 minutes, as Argentine Lucas Beltran scored his first goal for the club, adding a second just minutes later. The visitors went a man down shortly before the end of the half, leading to a second half rout that puts Fiorentina at the top of Group F. Speaking post-match, Italiano expressed satisfaction on the performance but confirmed that Kayode may be out for a little while:
“I can tell you that Kayode suffered a bad ankle sprain, hopefully he will recover quickly. That is precisely why we tried to spare Parisi at the end of the first half”.
How important is it to have recovered Pierozzi?
“He put minutes on his legs with the Primavera and he came on well today. He needs to play and we’ll work on that because we’re in emergency on the right.”
How important is it that Betran started scoring?
“I’m happy for Lucas, it was mentioned here too in the match presentation. He and Nzola are suffering for this situation and I’m convinced that the way they are working, the goals should come. Beltran worked like a great striker and finalised the chances that came his way. Today he woke up with a hot foot. I am also happy for Sottil, a positive evening.”
What is your opinion of this round?
“The round is still wide open, we have three games and we must try to score more points. We will have to be careful and be good because the opponents remain tough.”
The full-backs are decimated. Is Biraghi fit to recover for Monday?
“We stopped Parisi immediately at the end of the first half. I hope Biraghi can return to the group tomorrow, while for Kayode I hope it’s not an injury that will keep him out for long.
Who to deploy on the right without Dodo or Kayode?
“For attitude, I’d say Pierozzi is the full-back who has the ability to play there. Comuzzo has adapted, Quarta doesn’t like to be stationed in that area of the pitch, so we’ll have to bring Perozzi up, although everyone will make themselves available.”
