Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi ‘would like to see’ Florence celebrate after the Coppa Italia final against Inter.
The Viola booked their spot in the cup final after a campaign that saw them beat Sampdoria in the Round of 16, Torino in the quarter-finals and Cremonese in the semi-finals, giving them the chance to lift their first Coppa Italia in over two decades.
Whilst Fiorentina have looked inconsistent in Serie A this season, finding themselves in the bottom half of the table, they’ve impressed in the cups and also reached the Europa Conference League final. They’ll face West Ham on June 7.
Speaking in a press conference, Biraghi first reflected on Fiorentina’s journey to the Coppa Italia final this season.
“I always thought, even when we were struggling, it felt like the world had fallen apart. I said we had to stick together and follow the coach. Only then, with this idea, could we all bring out quality. Every day on the pitch I saw that it was the right way. I was convinced we would have such a season.”
He touched on his role as the Viola captain.
“As captain, when things don’t go well, you always try to find the problem but it’s never easy, everyone has their own thoughts.
“We just had to keep believing in what we were doing, in difficulties it’s easy to lose our way and instead, thanks to the coach, we immediately understood that these were the best things for each of us. It wasn’t difficult to fire up my teammates, the group is fantastic and rowing on the same side.”
The 30-year-old commented on the quality of the Fiorentina squad.
“The squad is important, two finals in one year mean a number of important things. One is definitely compactness and everyone rowing in the same direction. With certain components you get to make two finals.”
Biraghi was asked about the possible celebrations in Florence.
“I would like to see it and not imagine it. But we have always had support, there is enthusiasm in Florence, and you can breathe it. We are here, ready, we know what it means for Florence, passionate and not used to always winning.”
He touched on what clicked for the squad against FC Basel.
“From the beginning it was necessary for the new players to settle in and understand the city and the fans. These are fans who put everything aside for Fiorentina, it was important to understand this for those who were there for less time.
“Something important has been created both on the pitch and in spirit. Tomorrow, as always, we want to bring Florence and its spirit onto the pitch.”
The 30-year-old spoke about the mindset of the players.
“Simple, when the game is over, we will have no regrets. We will do our best, whether we will win or lose I don’t know.”
He discussed what it means to be Fiorentina captain.
“It is a pride, because it all starts with Davide (Astori, ed). We started a new cycle together, with the aim of returning to the levels Fiorentina were at before. Then he passed away and I, Pezzella and Badelj promised to carry on his goals.”
Biraghi was asked about the pause in the match with FC Basel to allow a fan to receive medical treatment.
“There were no doctors in the stand, it was important to get someone to go and see. The bond with Florence and our fans is very good, after the Astori tragedy a relationship has been created that goes beyond football.”
Finally, Biraghi discussed his expectations for Inter in the Coppa Italia final.
“A Champions League finalist, individually they have very strong players and international level. As a complete squad, they are the strongest in Italy.
“But then there’s also us… If we got here, we deserve attention. We’ll go out with no regrets.”