Vincenzo Italiano insists that Fiorentina are ready to battle Club Brugge but there’s no anxiety ahead of the match. The two sides meet in Florence on Thursday evening in the first-leg of the Conference League semi-finals. Speaking to the press ahead of the game, Italiano explained the importance of the match for not just Fiorentina, but the people of Firenze:
“For us and for Florence, this match is extremely important. The final would be a dream, and we are ready to battle. We are also mentally well, thanks to the victory over Sassuolo. The important thing is to prepare perfectly for the challenge against Bruges in both phases and not be carried away by anxiety or stress. The Europa League? It’s an objective we can achieve, either by winning the Conference or through the league, where we are unbeaten in the last three matches and on a comeback. We have five other tough matches, but Serie A is another opportunity. As for tomorrow, we need to win at home to have an advantage in the return leg. Our opponents are strong, but we will rise to the occasion, and from the stands, they will help and push us.” Italiano concludes on his future: “During this period, you hear everything, but it’s right that there’s only focus on our end of the season. The interest from other clubs is pleasing because it means we’ve worked well, but now I want to be focused only on the upcoming matches; the rest is just talk.”
Fiorentina, to advance to the next round, relies on their most talented man, Nico Gonzalez, who scored a brace against Sassuolo as a substitute and wants to repeat it in the Conference, as a starter: “We need to show that we are capable of doing things well. My celebrations? They are for someone I promised to celebrate with using emojis, and I hope to do it tomorrow too, but the most important thing is to put on a great team performance. I live for football and also for its unpredictability, including the criticisms and pressures that sometimes make a difference. I know the team needs me.”
