Giancarlo Antognoni is “hopeful” Fiorentina can challenge for the Scudetto in 10 years after returning to the club as a director.
Speaking at his official presentation on Friday, Antognoni also made it clear Fiorentina were not looking to sell Federico Bernardeschi, although he admitted the winger could “coexist very well” with Juventus’ Paulo Dybala.
“These first few days have been challenging,” began the Viola legend.
Giancarlo Antognoni is “hopeful” Fiorentina can challenge for the Scudetto in 10 years after returning to the club as a director.
Speaking at his official presentation on Friday, Antognoni also made it clear Fiorentina were not looking to sell Federico Bernardeschi, although he admitted the winger could “coexist very well” with Juventus’ Paulo Dybala.
“These first few days have been challenging,” began the Viola legend.
“I’m glad, though, that after 15 years, I’ve returned to Fiorentina. I must thank the club and I’ll try to return [their faith] in the best way.
“Fiorentina exist in two forms: the administrative and sporting. Right now, I’m more on the administrative side, but every once in a while, there’ll be space for me on the sporting. I’m working closely with Andrea Della Valle and [Mario] Cognigni.
“Bernardeschi or Dybala? They’re different players, but they’re strong and could play together.
“They could coexist very well. They’re ‘fantasisti’ that sometimes manage to win games alone. The club still want to hold onto Bernardeschi and other big players to stay at an important level because Florence deserves this.
“Sousa’s words on Bernardeschi? I think Paulo meant to say that [Bernardeschi’s] a good player and that big clubs would want him in the future.
“Objectives? We’re working on three fronts, but Fiorentina must achieve qualification for a European competition.
“Can this Fiorentina reach the Europa League final? In theory, they can. However, it’s not easy because there are so many good teams. I’d settle for a Coppa Italia final.
“Scudetto in 10 years? Anything can happen in that time, but the club are ambitious and want to achieve something concrete. I hope we can.”