Cesare Prandelli admits Fiorentina ‘will now be judged’ on their performance against Juventus, but the turning point with Bologna will be consistency.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The Viola had a dismal 2020, but it ended on a spectacular and surprising high with their 3-0 victory away to Juventus.
Cesare Prandelli admits Fiorentina ‘will now be judged’ on their performance against Juventus, but the turning point with Bologna will be consistency.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The Viola had a dismal 2020, but it ended on a spectacular and surprising high with their 3-0 victory away to Juventus.
“When you achieve such an unexpected result, the self-belief grows and so does the confidence in the work you are doing. We must not be afraid of that,” said Prandelli in his press conference.
“I agree with what Cristiano Biraghi said after the game, from now on we will be judged based on the performance in Turin. The real turning point will be when we achieve some consistency in results, but I do believe that now that fear the team had been carrying is a thing of the past.
“Obviously, Bologna present very different difficulties to facing Juve, as they are a more vertical team and have a lot of pace. It’s going to be a complicated match and they never give up, just like their coach.
“We are mentally ready for Bologna, trained well and I hope to see the same attitude in the next game. We have found a precise identity now and that includes Borja Valero as a midfield playmaker. Putting him in charge allows us to push the other midfielders up. He’s the professor in that role.”
Fiorentina have perhaps more players than they know what to do with at the moment, as the likes of Jose Callejon and Christian Kouame are struggling for playing time.
“Callejon is a master at losing his defender, and in recent years showed great technique, quality and timing. At this moment, he is somewhat penalised by our current tactical set-up. It’s tough for me to leave Jose out, because he is such a great professional.
“Kouame has to learn the timing of his runs to shake off defenders and run into space. He just needs to work and focus.
“Lucas Martinez Quarta’s moment will come, but right now Igor has proved he was ready when called upon and improved every day in training.”