Vincenzo Italiano underlined Fiorentina’s ‘great pride’ at taking part in the Coppa Italia final against Inter and promised to give his opponents ‘a hard time’.
Despite their inconsistency in Serie A this season, the Viola have impressed in their cup competitions, reaching both the Coppa Italia and Europa Conference League finals. After years of languishing in the mid-table, Italiano now has the chance to bring silverware to Florence, an opportunity he doesn’t want to waste.
Although Fiorentina sit 11th in the Serie A table, winning either of their two cup finals would qualify them for the Europa League next season, an important goal for Italiano and his players.
Speaking in a press conference, Italiano first discussed his and the squad’s emotions ahead of the Coppa Italia final.
“Great pride, to be on that pitch tomorrow and to be with the President of the Republic. And we haven’t forgotten the other final, which was a fantastic journey.
“We have a tough obstacle, the Champions League finalists, but we’ll arrive calmly to give them a hard time. They are very strong, but we have come this far, and we will try to give them a hard time.”
The Italian coach reflected on his time in charge of the Viola.
“I focus on the last two years, on the incredible growth process from that. I had guys who were focused and willing to listen from day one. We had to come out of unexciting moments, both they and I came from survival in the penultimate game.
“This year we started with two objectives: to improve on the Coppa Italia and we have succeeded, then honour the Conference League and go all the way. We want to put our two strong opponents in trouble now. We deserved this trophy, and we want to play for it.”
He touched on his expectations for the Coppa Italia final against Inter.
“You can imagine it, then you take to the pitch and the imponderables of football change everything.
“I know that we face a team that can invent plays from one moment to the next, we must repeat what allowed us to get here, thinking only about ourselves, doing everything possible to put Inter in trouble.
“We need a superlative performance like Basel, that’s the only way we can do it. I want those eyes there, convinced we can do it, and at the end of the game we’ll see.”
Italiano spoke about the presence of the Fiorentina fans and their show of support.
“Yesterday’s is similar to the embrace of the Curva before Basel. The 6,000 yesterday gave us that, optimism, closeness, passion. They want us to give our souls and sweat the shirt while honouring the club’s history and possibly get the maximum tomorrow. The guys have felt their love.”
He was asked if he had any doubts about his starting lineup for the final.
“I always have doubts. Not about the lineup but about how to put the opponent in difficulty. For Inter you have to think about that day and night…
“The guys are all well, I have some doubts about some players, I hope that those who take over will give everything.”
The Fiorentina coach spoke about what he learnt from the games against Inter this season.
“That we gave them a hard time, not only did we suffer their strength. But tomorrow is a final, it can be a different story.”
Finally, Italiano discussed the meeting with Sergio Mattarella, the President of Italy.
“Very exciting. For me it was the first time at the Quirinale, first time in front of the Head of State and at the lectern with a fantastic audience. A really beautiful experience.”