Vincenzo Italiano reveals his pride as Fiorentina prepare for the Coppa Italia Final with Inter and Conference League Final against West Ham United, but ‘we’ll see’ about the future.
The Viola had taken the lead at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino this afternoon through Luka Jovic, but it was cancelled out by Antonio Sanabria for a 1-1 draw.
“We only returned on Friday after an extraordinary effort and I have to be honest, we were all tired, including me,” Italiano told DAZN.
They were forced into extra time for a 3-1 victory away to FC Basel, decided deep into stoppages with a penalty shoot-out looming.
“The fact we were still able to put in a good performance and trouble a side like Torino shows just how strong we are, both mentally and physically. I even joked I don’t think this starting XI ever played together in a training session, but squad rotation was necessary.
“Some of the lads after Thursday were so tired they couldn’t even get on the train to be here.”
Fiorentina will face Inter in the Coppa Italia Final at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Wednesday May 24.
Then the Conference League Final with West Ham is in Prague on June 7.
“We have these two finals, we will try to cause problems for our opponents and do our best. We’ll give it everything we’ve got. Inter have something more than many teams, not just us, they are one of the strongest sides in Italy, but the two Serie A meetings were very open and we’ll try to prepare the strategy, being patient and trying not to make unforced errors.”
Italiano has been linked with different clubs in Italy after this remarkable campaign, including Scudetto winners Napoli, and he is keeping his options open.
“We work with passion and love, but need to combine it all with results. These tournaments conclude in Rome and Prague, I hope to continue celebrating, then we’ll see what happens.”