Fiorentina striker Krzysztof Piatek does not feel the pressure of replacing Dusan Vlahovic and is ‘ready to make history’ at Fiorentina.
The Tuscans host Juventus in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals at the Stadio Artemio Franchi tomorrow night. It will be the first game of Dusan Vlahovic against his former club. The 22-year-old moved to Turin on a permanent €80m deal, including add-ons in the January transfer window.
Piatek and Arthur Cabral replaced him, but the Poland international is La Viola’s regular starter after scoring five goals in his first seven appearances with the Serie A side.
“I trained with Vlahovic for three weeks and he is undoubtedly a very strong striker,” he told Il Corriere dello Sport.
“He proved it here by scoring many goals and he is doing really well at Juventus. We must be ready, not only the defenders but the whole team, including Carbal and me.”
Does Piatek feel the pressure of replacing the Serbia international?
“Pressure is part of our world, especially for us strikers. Our goals are vital to helping the team, but I want to prove my worth inside the box and outside by helping the team. I don’t feel the pressure, it’s a motivation to do well.”
Juventus will travel to Florence without nine players, including Giorgio Chiellini, Paulo Dybala, Weston McKennie and Denis Zakaria.
“Juventus are always Juventus,” said Piatek.
“They are a great team with champions on the pitch and on the bench. We’ll need maximum focus at every moment because they have 25 players of great quality.
“I’ll need to move close to the goal and take care of every detail. Our opponents are strong and we should not forget it.
“I know Szczesny well, we are friends and compatriots. It’s a very strong goalkeeper, but I know what to do to score. I want to win and he wants the same, but my only target is to bring Fiorentina forward.”
Is Piatek ready to make history for Fiorentina?
“Yes, I am, we’ll give our all for the city and the fans.”