Stefano Pioli insists Federico Chiesa will be remembered as a ‘champion’ and not a ‘diver’, while Fiorentina can only target the Champions League ‘in 2-3 years’.

Chiesa has come under fire in recent weeks for perceived simulation in Fiorentina’s matches, whereas the Viola are flying high in Serie A, taking fifth place after seven rounds of games.

Stefano Pioli insists Federico Chiesa will be remembered as a ‘champion’ and not a ‘diver’, while Fiorentina can only target the Champions League ‘in 2-3 years’.

Chiesa has come under fire in recent weeks for perceived simulation in Fiorentina’s matches, whereas the Viola are flying high in Serie A, taking fifth place after seven rounds of games.

“Chiesa? He’s young and I think he’ll grow without any problems because he has the numbers and potential of a champion,” he told Radio Anch’io Sport.

“One thing I want to say is that he’s a good lad, always looking for one-on-ones, and takes many shots.

“He’s not a diver. I didn’t like Gasperini talking about him in those terms. I don’t talk about players who aren’t mine.

“I don’t know if we can get fourth. Our win on Saturday confirmed we could have a great season, but for me to say we can finish fourth or qualify for the Champions League now is impossible because there are so many important challenges and tests for us to overcome.

“Having said that, I think we’ll be back in it soon. Last season we kicked off a new cycle, which we want to be our project for the future: aiming for the upper places in the table.

“We’ve refreshed ourselves after the years of Prandelli, Montella and Sousa. We’re looking to fight near the top in the next 2-3 years, but for now we have to keep growing.”

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