Vincenzo Italiano says Fiorentina ‘showed personality’ against Genoa and praises debutant Michael Kayode: ‘He fears nothing.’
The Tuscans started the new Serie A season with a 4-1 away win at Genoa on Saturday.
“We showed great personality. I feared Genoa’s enthusiasm, but our approach made me happy,” Italiano told DAZN.
“What we experienced last season left something inside us. New signings can still improve but have done well. We try to keep possession in a certain way, today we did really well.”
Bonaventura scored and assisted while 19-year-old Kayode surprisingly started at right-back in place of Dodo. The Italian had scored the winner in the U19 European Championship Final earlier this summer.
“Jack [Bonaventura] is 34 and has reached the peak of maturity. He knows how to cover the pitch and manage energy. He is an added value,” said Italiano.
“Kayode has a strong character, he fears nothing and it’s important when you are this young. Moreover, he is physically strong and motivated after winning the Euros. When he returned to Florence he kept the gold medal around his neck for a few days.”