Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano admits La Viola dream of qualifying for Europe this season and doubts whether Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could play together.
The 44-year-old is one of the most exciting emerging coaches in Italy. He managed Serie A survival with Spezia last term before moving to Fiorentina in the summer. He had signed a contract extension with the Aquilotti before moving to Florence and Spezia fans repeatedly insulted him when Fiorentina played at the Stadio Alberto Picco two weeks ago.
“They think I am a traitor. One who signed a contract extension and then changed his mind,” Italiano told La Repubblica.
“The reality is that conditions changed, I think boos mean passion, Spezia fans had loved me.”
Fiorentina are now in the race for Europe and have qualified for the Coppa Italia semi-finals after eliminating Napoli and Atalanta. They will meet Juventus in the next stage hosting the Bianconeri and their ex-striker Dusan Vlahovic at the Stadio Franchi on March 2.
“I believe in commitment and hard work. All players must be involved in the values and investments of the club. I make it clear to my players, even the reserves, that I do not abandon them, that they are always in my mind, that they all serve,” he explained.
“I don’t have foreclosures. Everyone has to be stimulated. Feeling like they have no chances doesn’t help.
“The goalkeeper is an exception. There is a hierarchy, although modifiable, in the Coppa Italia. I have always alternated Dragowski to Terracciano, just to make him play.”
The other exception was Vlahovic: “What can you do with one like him, who always scores?”
“It’s special to work in Florence. Our fans give us motivation,” the 44-year-old continued.
“Europe is in our thoughts now. It’s not an obsession, but a dream.”
Dragowski had 80 touches in their last Serie A match against Atalanta and that says a lot about Italiano’s mentality.
“To me, the goalkeeper is an outfield player who can use his hands. He must be involved talk to his teammates. He must make saves, but help in midfield as well. Milan scored with an assist from Maignan the other day.
“A back-pass is not resignation, it’s a way to build up with rationality and with an idea. Better than sending the ball in the stands.”
Which player would he like to coach and would he play Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo together if he coached them?
“I don’t know, honestly, but they are two top players, on another level.
“I’d like to coach Sergio Busquets of Barcelona because he once said: ‘My perfect match is when I don’t make even one mistake.’
Intervista a Vincenzo Italiano, allenatore della #Fiorentina che sta trascinando i viola verso il sogno Europa. Con identità, orgoglio, programmazione e tante idee. #Italiano @acffiorentina @repubblica https://t.co/fh8bROSdzz
— Matteo Dovellini (@MatteoDovellini) February 24, 2022