Vincenzo Italiano hopes Fiorentina can learn from ‘the mistakes’ of the Coppa Italia Final defeat to Inter and not repeat them with West Ham United in the Conference League. ‘I think we played on the same level.’
The Viola had the perfect start at the Stadio Olimpico, taking the lead within three minutes thanks to Nico Gonzalez at the back post.
However, Lautaro Martinez struck twice before half-time to turn it around and Fiorentina wasted chances to get them back on level terms, above all with Luka Jovic.
“We started very strong, even creating plenty of chances after opening the scoring, but then allowed Inter a counter-attack that was avoidable for 1-1,” Italiano told Mediaset.
“We’re then up against a Champions League Finalist, a World Cup winner in Lautaro Martinez, and he created the second goal out of nowhere.
“In the second half we did everything, created numerous scoring opportunities and created big problems for Inter. It’s a pity, we leave with regrets because I think we played on the same level as a fantastic Inter side.
“It’s disappointing, but we have another Final to prepare for and two Serie A games, so we cannot let go now, we must remain concentrated.”
It was the Tuscan team’s first Coppa Italia Final since 2014, when they lost 3-1 to Napoli, and they will be hoping for better in the Conference League Final against West Ham United on June 7.
“We are accustomed to shelving disappointments and getting right back on track. I tell the lads that when you fight with heart and sweat for the shirt, you never really lose. So we tip our hats to Inter, they lift the trophy.”
Fiorentina had not been in any battle for silverware since that 2014 defeat, so they lack experience going up against West Ham.
“We will try to avoid making the same mistakes that we saw tonight, because that too will be a one-off match against a quality team, but if we play with the same spirit seen tonight, I think we can again cause problems for our opponents.
“When it is a one-off match, you can get punished at the first error. We had allowed Inter practically nothing until the equaliser, then we lost our unity for 15 minutes and they made the most of it. Details are crucial at this level, the marking, the quality these players have to shake off their defenders allows them to lift the trophy. We created the chances today, but weren’t as clinical or cool-headed in front of goal as Inter.”
Luka Jovic in particular had two big chances that he failed to convert, while Samir Handanovic also made a few important saves.
“I don’t think Fiorentina were embarrassed at all today, quite the opposite. I congratulated the lads, they deserve that for their spirit and determination. We all would’ve given who knows what to lift this trophy and we didn’t manage it.”