Vincenzo Italiano, coach of Fiorentina, spoke in the press conference after the 1-1 draw on the Club Brugge pitch which took his team back to the Conference League final: “Indescribable joy for having seen the team play with this personality, with this character. We played in an incredible bedlam against a strong team and we were rewarded for our way of playing on the pitch. Playing another final is something fantastic. Seeing the kids play like this is truly something priceless.”
You have shown a certain mentality.
“When you enter the pitch, your personality must always be brought out in every performance. We never had to stop doing what allowed us to play in this semi-final and so we did. The personality brought out by these guys was incredible. Only in this way can results be achieved.”
Two finals.
“We are also in the history books and we are aware that we have done something extraordinary. Let’s think back to where we started: the draw with Riga at home, the defeat against Basaksehir… now instead we reach the final undefeated. We arrive with great self-esteem and enthusiasm.”
In what state of mind will you follow the match between Olympiacos and Aston Villa?
“Whatever happens, we will have problems in the final: if the Greeks pass, we will face a “home” team even on a neutral pitch. While Aston Villa is a very strong Premier team, which everyone knows. But now we’re also thinking about the championship, where we want to score important points.”
Final dedicated to Barone?
“It doesn’t even need to be said. This final is for him… today his family was also at the stadium and so it was very nice to reach this goal. Our every thought always goes to the director.”
Lots of poles.
“I feared that even Beltran would miss the penalty… congratulations to Lucas who felt like shooting from the spot. At first I thought Gonzalez was supposed to shoot it, then instead I saw Beltran kick it: maybe someone didn’t feel like it. He was good because that ball weighed a lot.”
How is Bonaventura?
“Yesterday he was confident but today he didn’t feel it: better not to risk it and since we went to the final it’s better this way…”
