Vincenzo Italiano was unveiled as the new Fiorentina coach today: ‘I want to give this team an identity.’
The former Spezia coach has signed a two-year deal at the Stadio Artemio Franchi and was unveiled at a press conference today.
“For me, football is the same in every division, besides the pace of the game and the quality of players. Serie A is at the maximum level. I am convinced that here I will bring my heart, like everywhere,” the 43-year-old said.
“I will give my all. I want to thank the club. I want to give them what they asked – a team that everyone fears, that has identity everywhere. When I used to play, I wouldn’t sleep for 3-4 days before facing Fiorentina – that’s the level of the club. And I want our opponents to feel the same.
“Football is my life. It’s the reason I live. I started when I was 15 and never stopped, before as a player and now as a coach. Sometimes it’s more tiring to be a coach than a player. For me, the motivation is huge – just looking at how beautiful Florence is,” Italiano continued.
“The aim is to always improve on the previous season. We want a clear identity – attack a lot and defend well. Being a coach compared to being a player is you think 24h a day about football and how to improve the team. I want a certain type of football, attitude, intensity, aggressive football. Knowing what we have to do on the pitch.
“If I think about Fiorentina, I think about a great team with great players. That’s our aim, to be a great team.
“Then football is weird, so let’s see. What I’m sure about is we’ll give our all every game. I’ve already lost my voice after four days. Our motto is: ‘Defend well, attack very well’.
“Every fixture is difficult, if you make it easy is because you prepared well and you won. Any team is difficult.”
“I will evaluate the payers now, work with them, and then we’ll talk with the club. It’s my job to make the players do their best and get the best out of them.”
“I’ve been lucky to have great coaches throughout my career, and all have given me something.”
Tottenham reportedly want to sign Dusan Vlahovic, but Italiano doesn’t seem to be worried about his future at the club.
“Vlahovic is an extraordinary striker, a player with incredible desire to improve, any coach would want to make the most of having him. I need to be good at making him do different things and improve even more,” Italiano said.
Fiorentina have been linked with signing Stefano Sensi, but do Fiorentina need a new regista?
“International players aren’t here yet and Pulgar can cover that role,” the coach claimed.
“As I said before, I need to know everybody and then we’ll see what we must do.”
La Viola have already signed Nico Gonzalez, but saw Franck Ribery leave at the end of his contract.
“I can only say Ribery is a great champion. His career, his trophies and what he did here at Fiorentina prove it.
“Nico is a starter of the Argentina side that won the Copa America. He has quality, physical strength and a great left foot. It’s a top signing and he will be one of the cornerstones of our attacking trident.”