Stefano Pioli “always believed” Fiorentina could challenge for Europe, but asks his team for patience against Genoa at Marassi.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“Tomorrow is a big test and a very important match for us,” said the Viola Coach in his Press conference.
Stefano Pioli “always believed” Fiorentina could challenge for Europe, but asks his team for patience against Genoa at Marassi.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“Tomorrow is a big test and a very important match for us,” said the Viola Coach in his Press conference.
“We want to continue this good form, it’s a chance to prove our quality and we must play as well as possible. It’s key to show patience, as Genoa under Davide Ballardini have the second best defensive record, so finding the right moment to strike is the main thing.
“I always believed in this team and am not surprised we are in the running for Europe. This is a wonderful group that thinks more in terms of ‘we’ than ‘I’ and that is rare.
“We have a clear philosophy of football and must embrace our identity as Fiorentina. I think that I’ve grown every year too and I feel like a better person this season.”
It’s getting tight in the battle for a Europa League spot, as while Inter seem to have fifth, it’s a race between Milan, Atalanta, Fiorentina and Sampdoria for sixth.
“In my view, Atalanta are the best team in that group, but then we are talking about Milan and Sampdoria, who strengthened over the last year. Fiorentina weren’t expected to be in there, but we’re glad to be the intruders.
“Last week’s win over Napoli gave us more fuel in the tank and sparked up our enthusiasm. We need to keep that motivation and focus going tomorrow.”