Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano says his sides efforts were rewarded after their 2-0 win over Viktoria Plzeň, dedicating the win to Joe Barone’s family. The match went to extra time with La Viola holding a man advantage, but goals from Nico Gonzalez and Cristiano Biraghi were enough to book passage to the semi-finals of the competition. Speaking post-match to Sky Sport Italia, Italiano dedicated the win to former director Joe Barone, who tragically passed away earlier this year:
“Reaching the semifinals was our goal. We attacked the game, and in some ways, I thought it was bewitched: it’s a passage to the next round that makes us very happy. We will try to reach the final again this year, but tonight is an enormous satisfaction. We prepared for both legs differently, fearing Viktoria Plzen for their ability not to concede goals, and we did well to give our all at home.”
Italiano then continued, “I saw the boys happy; we were rewarded for a period in which we have been playing every three days. We dedicate this victory wholeheartedly to Joe Barone’s family, who was present at the stadium today. We are making great efforts, preparing for matches in very little time with players sometimes not in optimal condition. But we’re still here, and we’re very happy about it.”
The coach concluded, “Now there are only very strong teams left; this competition has raised the level. If we face Club Brugge, we will need to prepare well for the return leg at their home. Belotti? We tried to get all the wingers close to him; he only lacks the goal. He’s a guy who puts in a lot of effort. He had a quadriceps problem, but he gritted his teeth and wanted to play anyway.”
