West Ham defender and former Italy international Angelo Ogbonna is in a confident mood heading into the upcoming Conference League final against Fiorentina, claiming that the Londoners feel as if the cup is already theirs.
The 35-year-old centre-back, on page 19 of Friday morning’s Corriere dello Sport, said that lifting the trophy would cast a different view on West Ham’s otherwise underwhelming season in England.
David Moyes’ side comfortably avoided Premier League relegation by the end of the campaign, but given that they had featured in the semi-final of the Europa League last season, a 14th-place finish came as somewhat of a surprise to the Hammers.
Despite their misfortunes in the league, Ogbonna believes that the Conference League provides a fantastic opportunity to finish the season in high spirits.
“The Cup? We feel it is ours and it can give a completely different meaning to the season,” Ogbonna said to Il Corriere. “We are strong, but we will have to prove that in the game,” he continued.
“Fiorentina are a strong team, who dribble and love vertical play, with an ambitious coach like in Italiano. We respect the team and we respect its history. I grew up on Batistuta’s goals and Rui Costa’s play.”
Ogbonna was also complimentary of Fiorentina’s striking options, believing that Arthur Cabral and Luka Jovic both offer coach Vincenzo Italiano a great deal in terms of attacking output.
“If I were Italiano, I would have a lot to consider. They both offer a lot of different strengths. I won’t tell you who I prefer with my personal characteristics, otherwise he will play the other one,” he joked.
On the strength of the Italian sides in European competitions this season, Ogbonna added: “Italy has taken three teams to the European finals, now Serie A is at the top.”
Ogbonna now ranks second highest in terms of appearances among Italians who have played in the Premier League, only trailing to Gianfranco Zola.
“I have never denied my origins, although here in London I feel at home. One hundred and ninety (appearances), level with Di Canio, a record of which I am proud,” the veteran defender said.