Vincenzo Italiano opened up about Fiorentina’s desire to ‘achieve an incredible dream’ in the Conference League ahead of their semi-final clash with Club Brugge.
The Viola came bitterly close to lifting Europe’s newest club trophy last season but fell at the final hurdle to West Ham in a bitter clash, leaving Italiano and his squad with painful regrets and unfinished business ahead of this campaign.
Italiano has already decided to leave Fiorentina in the summer and is keen to close out his spell in Florence with silverware, raising the stakes for their Conference League semi-final clash with Club Brugge.
Italiano press conference
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Italiano first discussed his Fiorentina ahead of their match with Club Brugge.
“We’re fine, the last match gave us confidence and enthusiasm. We looked for a good result and we got it.
“Tomorrow’s match with a positive attitude was essential. Almost everyone is available and ready for this match. It would be extraordinary continue in the tournament.”
He was asked if reaching the Europa League was the dream for the Viola.
“It’s an objective that we can achieve by winning the Conference League. We have to be good in everything, but also throughout the season. We’re making a comeback, we have five difficult games but it’s another path.
“We start tomorrow and then we’ll throw ourselves back into the league. There are 15 points available, and we will try to get a lot of them and try to keep up with those we have in front of us.”
Italiano commented on his expectations for the Conference League semi-final.
“Every match is important and difficult. Brugge know how to wait and counter, they have three dangerous forwards, they have quality in the middle of the pitch, and they don’t approach matches in just one way.
“You have to be good at determining things and doing what you have prepared. We play at home and we have to get a positive result.
“If our opponent has reached the semi-finals, it means they are strong. I don’t know how the match will develop, we have to be ready for whatever attitude Brugge has.”
He was asked if playing at home in the first leg was an advantage.
“Last year in the semi-final we lost at home against Basel and then we overturned it, in the most exciting match of my three-year term.
“Tomorrow, we have to do everything possible to get a result to give meaning to the second leg. We have to take advantage of our home advantage and the warmth of our fans.”
Finally, Italiano discussed the importance of the Fiorentina fans.
“Everyone has understood what Franchi can be when the stadium pushes hard, from outside I feel this push very well and I am convinced that tomorrow the fans will make themselves heard.
“I hope that there will be a spectacular atmosphere and that we will all be able to achieve an incredible dream.”