Nantes goalkeeper Alban Lafont is ready to face Juventus in the Europa League play-offs, where he’ll find two of his former Fiorentina teammates.
The French shot stopper spent a year of his career with the Viola from 2018 to 2019, leaving for the Ligue 1 outfit on loan after only a year in Florence. Lafont found success in the west of France and his move to Nantes was made permanent in the summer for €7.5m. Juventus’ relegation from the Champions League means they’ll fight with Nantes for a spot in the Europa League knock-out stages.
Speaking via TMW, Lafont discussed how it felt for Nantes to draw Juventus and his excitement at being reunited with some former Fiorentina teammates.
“For us it’s exceptional. We were just waiting to meet a great team. With Juve it will be exciting, I already faced them when I was at Fiorentina. I know Vlahovic and Chiesa, it will be a special reunion. They’re one of the most beautiful teams in the world, with an incredible squad.
“An exceptional club, with great experience and great players. It will be one of the most important matches of my career, a novelty for many of us. We have to do well because a similar opportunity could never happen to us again.”
Nantes finished second in their Europa League group, five points behind winners Freiburg and one ahead of second place Qarabag. Things have been a little more difficult domestically for the French outfit, who sit 16th in the Ligue 1 table after 14 games.