Vincenzo Italiano is glad Fiorentina got back on track against Roma and believes they can snatch a Europa League spot. ‘Some ups and downs are natural, it’s the first season with a new project.’
The Viola are right back in the thick of the race for Europa League spots after sweeping the Giallorossi aside comfortably 2-0, putting them level with Roma and Atalanta on 59 points in joint sixth place, only three behind Lazio.
Nico Gonzalez converted an early – admittedly soft – penalty for the Rick Karsdorp contact on his shin, before Giacomo Bonaventura waltzed through the defence to get the second within 11 minutes.
Serie A | Fiorentina 2-0 Roma: Viola catch Giallorossi and Atalanta
Bonaventura also had another disallowed for offside, while Nico Gonzalez had penalty appeals rejected for Bryan Cristante’s clumsy challenge.
“We needed these points, because we had unexpectedly slipped up lately, doing well against Milan without picking up points, so we wanted to create some sense of consistency,” Italiano told DAZN.
“It has been a great season, so if we keep this concentration, it will be difficult for anyone to beat us. This is our first season with a new project, almost everything changed compared to last year, so it’s a journey and some ups and downs are natural. We’ve laid the foundations.”
Fiorentina are now level with Roma and Atalanta on 59 points, while Lazio are in fifth on 62.
“There is fatigue, mental and physical, in all the teams. We’ve been up there or thereabouts from the start of the season, so we want to stay there. Whoever makes the fewest mistakes from now on will get there.”
Italiano celebrated after the final whistle by waving his jacket over his head as the ultras cheered.
“There were 8,000 fans who attended the training session, so after four consecutive defeats, I felt the need to celebrate and join in their passion.”
ITALIANO 💜⚜️#ForzaViola #FiorentinaRoma #ACFFiorentina pic.twitter.com/aJYpnVnCST
— ACF Fiorentina English (@ACFFiorentinaEN) May 9, 2022