Vincenzo Italiano was in a positive mood despite Fiorentina’s wasteful 1-1 draw with Hellas Verona today.
The Viola went behind after 17th minutes thanks to an early goal from Kevin Lasagna, but substitute Gaetano Castrovilli salvaged a point for the Florence side in the 81st minute.
Speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference after the match, Italiano started by reacting to the draw with Hellas Verona, saying ‘I’m happy that a substitute scored and we reacted to a not brilliant first half. We didn’t do well on the pitch, I didn’t like the guys. We could have picked up something more, but we are happy and we mustn’t stop.’
He was disappointed that midfielder Alfred Duncan failed to score, noting that ‘Alfred perhaps arrived tired on that ball, tonight’s game was wasteful.’
The 44-year-old Italian coach was satisfied with the mental strength shown in recent games, however. ‘We had to give consistency and with tonight five consecutive useful results have arrived. To come back in the last two games is an important sign of character.’
Italiano was happy that the 24-year-old Castrovilli was the player to score the equaliser, highlighting that ‘we needed a spark to reignite him. He entered the game very well and I hope the goal will give him confidence. I’m happy for him.’
He was also satisfied with the club’s current financial situation. ‘The balance sheet is positive and to end the year with 32 points is satisfying.’
The Viola coach confirmed that Lille forward Nanitamo Ikone will be joining the club in next month’s transfer window. ‘He’s strong. He’ll be added to the four wingers we have and I hope he can settle in straight away.’
Finally, Italiano touched on his return to Hellas Verona, nothing that ‘I love Verona and Hellas, it’s always exciting to come back here. I can’t erase eleven years. A lot of crap has been said about me, but for 260 games I spit blood for this shirt. I’m happy to have met the president and director in the summer.’
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— CalcioNews24.com (@CalcioNews24) December 22, 2021