Vincenzo Italiano was overjoyed to finally see Fiorentina be ‘clinical and cool-headed’ in the 3-2 win over Napoli, as they raise their ambitions of European qualification.
The Viola are not new to giant-killing exploits this season and after all did knock Napoli out of the Coppa Italia despite being a man down.
Serie A | Napoli 2-3 Fiorentina: Viola ruin Scudetto dream again
They caused an even bigger upset in Serie A this afternoon, winning 3-2 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona with goals from Nico Gonzalez, Jonathan Ikone and Arthur Cabral.
Dries Mertens and Victor Osimhen tried to get it back, but it was not enough.
“I am truly happy with what I saw on the field today,” Italiano told DAZN.
“We confirmed our form and status after the performance at San Siro to hold Inter. I wanted courage and character, we showed all of that. It was a great game.
“It is not easy for anyone to come here with a packed stadium and fight it out with Napoli. The important thing is not to leave them the initiative, while today we were more clinical and cool-headed than ever in front of goal.
“We really needed that kind of finishing in previous matches and I hope it is a sign for the future.”
Fiorentina had a very high defensive line, which could’ve been a disaster against the pace of Osimhen, but it paid off.
“We take risks, but everyone was concentrated and the centre-backs were excellent today. I have some very reliable defenders.”
The Viola are still in the running for a place in Europe, especially with Atalanta slowing down badly.
“If we continue to play like this, clearly we need to raise the bar. We’ll see where we are at the end of the season, but we want to stay in our current position and maybe add some more.”
Right place, right time 👊
Nicolas Gonzalez gets to the rebound and smashes it past the keeper.
Fiorentina lead 1-0. pic.twitter.com/FG4S02Iw2d
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 10, 2022