Vincenzo Italiano insists it is ‘dangerous’ for Fiorentina to underestimate Viktoria Plzen in the Conference League, especially as the Czechs have ‘a seemingly impenetrable defence.’
The first leg kicks off in the Czech Republic on Thursday at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).
This is the first ever UEFA tournament quarter-final appearance for Viktoria Plzen, but the Viola made it all the way to the Conference League Final last season, losing to West Ham United in nearby Prague.
Arguably, they got a kind draw for this quarter-final, but Italiano does not agree.
“If you think we are the favourites, then we need to put in a great performance to confirm that,” said the coach in his press conference.
“We are up against tough opponents who are unbeaten in the competition this season, have a truly iron-clad defence and what it takes to be a good level team.
“We come here knowing it will be difficult. We never underestimated anyone, trying to do better than last season and winning our group. It is too dangerous to underestimate someone in Europe, we have to prove our value, not just talk about it. We’ll be made to sweat tomorrow.”
Viktoria Plzen have not conceded a single goal on home turf in the Conference League so far this season.
That is particularly problematic considering Fiorentina have struggled so much to find the back of the net.
“We will try to cause issues for this seemingly impenetrable defence, which is concentrated and physically strong. We’ll try to push the wide men forward and try to also be dangerous from set plays or shots from distance, all of which are important against defences that sit deep in a block.”
None of the strikers have scored in Serie A since February 18, so there are reports Lucas Beltran could be reshuffled in a centre-forward role after weeks of being in a supporting position.
“I have no problem confirming that Beltran prefers to play where he is now, he likes to have that space to shake markers off and find space, combining with the centre-forward. He wants to stay there and has done very well, so that will be his position,” assured Italiano.
With Serie A form struggling, Fiorentina are also in the Coppa Italia semi-final and the Conference League quarter-final. Has Italiano favoured these competitions rather than the league?
“That is not the case. We prepare every game to give our best, but are unlucky to have four or five top level matches in close proximity. We put in the performances, but the results were lacking.
“We want to win in every competition and have eight rounds left to climb back up the table. We are certainly not focusing on one trophy more than another.”
There have been multiple reports that Italiano will leave Fiorentina at the end of the season, with the coach and club hierarchy refusing to deny those rumours.
“I am fully concentrated on the work with my lads to reach the heights of last season that we all want to hit again. I am not interested or disturbed by any rumours.”
Fiorentina reached the Final last season, so do they feel a stronger or weaker team than in 2022-23?
“It’s not about feeling stronger, every opponent will test you and there are always new difficulties to face. The journey we have had gave us self-belief and helped us to grow, especially as for many of these lads it was their first experience in Europe.
“We showed improvement by winning the group and therefore avoiding the play-offs. Last season we were rarely considered the favourites going in, but we kept going through.
“We all want to feel those fantastic sensations again and will give our all tomorrow to get a good result.”