Giovanni Simeone looks forward to more goals against Napoli, describes how Fiorentina forged their team spirit and why he “shares a destiny” with Federico Chiesa.
It kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Viola effectively ended Napoli’s Scudetto dream in April with a 3-0 result, decided by Cholito’s hat-trick and an early Kalidou Koulibaly red card.
Giovanni Simeone looks forward to more goals against Napoli, describes how Fiorentina forged their team spirit and why he “shares a destiny” with Federico Chiesa.
It kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Viola effectively ended Napoli’s Scudetto dream in April with a 3-0 result, decided by Cholito’s hat-trick and an early Kalidou Koulibaly red card.
“Let’s not forget we had a very good performance at the San Paolo too earlier that season,” the striker told La Repubblica newspaper.
“My objective is to be of greater use to the team and become a reference point to raise the midfielders up and invite them forward.”
Simeone scored on his senior debut for Argentina last week in a friendly win over Guatemala.
“That moment was pure joy, but it was a result of all the good work I did in Florence. I must thank Coach Stefano Pioli, as at the end of training sessions he’ll often stay behind and teach me the movements. He gets me to work so much on my technique.”
Both Simeone and Fiorentina teammate Federico Chiesa are the sons of star players, so can share a common experience.
“We share the same destiny: we are the sons of great players. The real advantage is not having this name, but rather having someone to ask for genuine advice.
“The strange thing is, my father came to watch me in the stands for the first time on August 26 when we beat Chievo. He’d never been in the stands for a match during my professional career before then.”
The Viola were forever transformed by the sudden death of captain Davide Astori, who passed away in his sleep in March awaiting a Serie A match.
“Fiorentina are like a family. There is no room here for egotism or a primadonna attitude. When you lose a friend, you find yourselves sharing an emotional pain that is practically violent.
“Through our tears, we became men. We have a mission now: give everything we’ve got to Fiorentina. We never feared the Lega Serie A would block our armband tribute to Astori, because that was the heritage left by our captain. Certain symbols are untouchable.”