Vincenzo Italiano insists Fiorentina ‘underestimate nobody’ after a 4-1 win over Lech Poznan in the first leg of the Conference League quarter-finals and explains why Arthur Cabral often starts over Luka Jovic.
Goals from Cabral, Nico Gonzalez, Giacomo Bonaventura and Jonathan Ikone helped the Tuscans secure a crucial victory in Poland on Thursday.
“We did what we had prepared. I want to congratulate the guys because it wasn’t easy after the equaliser, but we remained in the game, scoring before the break, and we could have scored even more,” Italiano said at a post-match press conference.
“The second half was excellent, now we must keep this advantage tight.”
Nico scored before the break, but was subbed off in the second half after a head injury.
“I don’t know if he was hit in his head. He felt a little dizzy, we thought he could remain on the pitch, but it was nothing serious,” said Italiano.
“We underestimate nobody and we face all opponents with great focus. All games are difficult,” continued the Tuscans’ tactician.
“Every opponent deserves respect, we have people who improve week by week, and this is why we have this mentality.”
Cabral once against started over Luka Jovic, but Italiano continues relying on both strikers.
“Cabral is playing consistently because he works so much to help the team,” the coach explained.
“This should be everyone’s behaviour and why we are getting great satisfaction. Jovic has had physical problems, but both have been improving. They are both important players.”