Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano insists he doesn’t feel betrayed by Dusan Vlahovic and explains that both Arthur Cabral and Krzysztof Piatek need time to settle in.
The Tuscans signed the two strikers to replace Vlahovic, who joined Juventus in January. The 22-year-old is the current joint Serie A top scorer along with Ciro Immobile. He scored 17 goals in 21 Serie A appearances with Fiorentina this season.
Does Italiano feel betrayed by Vlahovic?
“I’ve always said that I was external in a situation that had been ongoing for a long time,” the coach said at a press conference.
“What I can do is try to replace him in the best way with two new guys, in a place where extraordinary things have been made this season.
“I don’t feel betrayed, I’ve always said that I spoke with him about what was going on on the pitch. The only rapport we had was on the pitch.
“Both Cabral and Piatek are two pure strikers. Piatek is good in the box, Cabral is more mobile,” Italian continued, talking about Vlahovic’s possible replacements.
“At the moment, they start on the same level, it will depend on who’s in better shape. Let’s give them both time. We’ll need our strikers to finish off the hard work and team moves. Both players are willing to show what they’re worth and both can give us a lot.”
What game does he expect tomorrow against Lazio?
“Every match is important. All games after the break are particularly difficult. We hope not to repeat the mistakes of the past. Lazio are one of the best teams in Serie A, for us it would be big to win this match.
“We have done well so far, playing good football. The players are improving week after week, they are focused and convinced the hard work pays off, we’re united.”