Vincenzo Italiano deflected any questions on his future and links with the Napoli job, saying he is focused on Fiorentina’s Conference League match against Viktoria Plzen. The Viola coach has been in the crosshairs of Napoli owner Auelio De Laurentiis since last summer, but speaking ahead of Fiorentina’s match with Plzen, he refused to be drawn on his future, taking instead about the challenge that awaits his side:
“We know that we will face a truly difficult team. All matches must be played with the utmost attention, never underestimating anyone. We cannot afford not to do so; tomorrow we will really have to sweat.”
The Fiorentina coach then responded to those who say he only focuses on cup competitions: “Tomorrow the best team will take the field. We try to prepare for all matches to achieve the maximum result. In the league, we have had, in my opinion, the misfortune of having four or five matches all very close together at a very high level, in which we have struggled a bit. I confirm that we have the desire to win in all competitions, to demonstrate our value. We still have 8 matches in the league to climb up, but it is also true that when we face these matches, we must know that they are knockout games, so our motivation remains high for a long time. Something we can also do in the league.”
Italiano then discussed Beltran’s position on the field: “What we will try to do is what we always try to do. Their defense seems impenetrable, very attentive and concentrated, and also physically strong. So we will do everything possible, on the wings, on set pieces, also trying shots from outside. As for Beltran, Lucas prefers to play where he is stationed now (second striker). In those areas, because he likes to free himself, arrive with a little more time in front of goal, receive some passes from the striker. So, since he expresses himself well, if we see him, we will see him in that position.”
Italiano then commented on the rumors about his future: “My job is to work hard together with the players to achieve goals like those of last year, which no one has forgotten and which we all want to relive. So any discussion doesn’t concern me, I’m not interested, and it doesn’t bother me at all. We are only interested in preparing for the matches and seeing my players perform at their best. For the last month and a half, this is all that matters to me.”
Last year’s journey in the Conference League undoubtedly helped the team grow: “We have grown, and we demonstrated it in the last match of the group stage, where with great maturity we managed to get that point that allowed us not to play in the playoffs like last year. For me, the second year’s journey has given us a lot; we were never favorites, yet every time we managed to confirm ourselves and advance to the next round. We want to relive those fantastic moments, so tomorrow we will give everything to have a meaningful match in the return leg and go as far as possible.”
