Gabriel Batistuta weighed in on Fiorentina’s two Conference League final defeats and Lautaro Martinez’s decision to sign a new contract with Inter.
The Viola came bitterly close to winning their first pieces of silverware in decades over the last two seasons but fell short at the final hurdle in the Conference League, suffering a 2-1 defeat to West Ham in the 2022-23 campaign and a 1-0 defeat to Olympiacos at the end of last month.
In the meantime, Lautaro decided to pen a new long-term contract with Inter, committing to a five-year contract worth around €9m net per season plus add-ons. Much was written about his desire for a loftier salary, but he ultimately decided to prove his love to the club by agreeing to their terms.
Batistuta weighs in
Speaking at the Golf Cup of the Vialli and Mauro foundation via TMW, Batistuta first discussed how it feels to be at the tournament set up by Gianluca Vialli.
“It’s very important because I respected Gianluca a lot, he always seemed like a great professional to me. Then I met him, he was a great person and having the chance to be here to collaborate on his cause is nice, I’m happy I came.”
He was asked if Lautaro made the right choice by signing a new long-term contract with Inter.
“I don’t know. I don’t speak to Lautaro, but if he chose this way, I imagine it’s the best for him. Nobody does anything because they are forced to. He gave a lot to Inter and Inter gave a lot to him. I don’t see why he had to change.”
Batistuta gave his thoughts on Lucas Beltran’s development at Fiorentina.
“He should play more, he is not playing as much as he deserves. But I’m not the coach. For me he is a good player. All the Argentines of Fiorentina are strong, and I would bet on them.”
Finally, Batistuta discussed Fiorentina’s two Conference League defeats over the last two seasons.
“They are finals, sometimes you ask too much. Two finals in a row deserve only applause. But in football we always look for the worst. They are finals and they were lost at the last minute. In my opinion they could’ve played better, but it’s a final. It can happen.”