Vincenzo Italiano says Fiorentina must do everything to finish first in their Conference League group ahead of their match with Ferencvaros. La Viola know that avoiding defeat to the Higarian side will guarantee them first place in the standings, ahead of next weeks knock-out draw. Speaking in the pre-match, Italiano offered an update on the status of his team while underlining the need to get a result:
“We have earned the chance to get here and have two results at our disposal. Although, the opponent is an opponent that, at home and in this stadium, will want to go hard and we must prepare ourselves. We qualified the round, but to get to the front is important. We want to win the round, compared to last year it was much more difficult, we have to stay focused. The opponent is tough and strong, in the first leg they put us in great difficulty and we will see what comes out tomorrow.
“These absences confirm that playing such close matches is difficult. Arthur, Bonaventura and Sottil are struggling with various ailments, nothing serious but they cannot be overlooked. We will be missing important players with personality, but we have a long and deep squad with experienced players. Tomorrow will be another test, we will have to enter the field with great personality. We must try in every way to finish first in the group.
“Nico is well, he has recovered. His management has been more than correct, when a player goes into overload there is always the risk of making him miss too many games. Tomorrow he will be at full strength and when he is well he can give 100 per cent. I hope he can be a protagonist tomorrow.
“Barak? Last season he could have done a lot more in the goal area, but he played a lot and did well. This year he’s been out for 3-4 months and it’s been difficult for him to regain his condition. Bonaventura is doing very well in his role and in that position it’s not easy to find space, as we also have Infantino. I hope Tony will soon return to his level, I’m convinced that as soon as he regains his condition he will do as well as he did last year’.
“Biscotto? (draw on purpose, ed.) Of course it bothers me to hear about it. We are professionals, we honour every commitment to the utmost. It is a great merit to have two results. For them it will be harder, I am convinced that they will go hard and try to get a result’.
