Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”1″>Fiorentina Coach Vincenzo Montella wants his side to approach the Coppa Italia final against Napoli in the same way they would a normal match.
Fiorentina Coach Vincenzo Montella wants his side to approach the Coppa Italia final against Napoli in the same way they would a normal match.
The Viola have a chance to end a 13-year trophy drought at Stadio Olimpico tomorrow but the 39-year-old believes progress has been made whether his team secure the silverware or not.
“I’m not experienced in finals like Benitez is,” Montella told his pre-match Press conference. “But I hope that can be an advantage.
“I have good memories from this journey we have had over the last two years. We have grown and people have thrown themselves into it.
“We want to win for the fans and for the club.
“I wouldn’t consider victory tomorrow to be a springboard for us, nor the start of a cycle.
“Whether we win or lose tomorrow, it doesn’t change much for our cycle. It has already begun and it must continue whatever happens.
“Both teams are stressed by the match. No one is favourites. I feel the pressure, it’s a final and I can see the enthusiasm in the city.
“Whether we win or lose though, we will need to reinforce the team.
“We know that tomorrow’s match, in the eyes of the media, could change people’s judgement of our season. For me however it will have been a positive one anyway.
“I want to win the cup, the players and the Della Valle's deserve it. I want to see the usual Fiorentina out on the pitch, the one that expresses itself and wins.
“Regardless of the outcome of the final I want our growth in every sense to be there for all to see.”
The tactician then answered questions about the make-up of his team tomorrow, which has been blighted by injuries of late.
“We will look at Neto tomorrow, but he didn’t train today. Rossi is training, the desire is there from him.
“Gonzalo has recovered and Borja Valero did more yesterday than he did on Wednesday. We still need to assess him today and tomorrow though.
“Gomez? The reality is that he is not training with the group. His inclusion is unlikely.
“The absence of Cuadrado is a shame, but we mustn’t make excuses. The formation won’t change much and we are waiting in anticipation.
“It’s a great experience to be going through. I already have nostalgia from playing!”
Finally, Montella commented on Napoli counterpart Rafa Benitez.
“Benitez has improved Napoli, he is a nice person and there is great respect between us. He has won a lot of things.
“Every Coach looks to impose their strategy. Napoli have had a reasonable season, they still need to add more if they want to compete at the top.
“They must not rush things, but just continue to develop.”