Vincenzo Italiano’s analysis after reaching the Conference semi-final: viola tired, but coach happy
To the microphones of Sky Sportsthe purple technician Vincenzo Italiano he commented on the victory against Viktoria Plzen and the passage to the Conference semi-finals as follows: “The objective we had for tonight and since we prepared the quarter-final. We knew how Viktoria could hurt us, we managed the match the first leg and tonight we created what we could create. I thought it was enchanted, but we deserved to go through and for the second year in a row we are in the semi-final. I think so, because we prepared the second leg in two ways different. I feared Plzen at home, but we did well not to concede goals and to be less attractive. The boys are happy and with this victory we are rewarded in a period in which we play every three days, we are tired and we lose players like Bonaventura. We dedicate the victory to Joe’s family, to Joe, to his children.
Belotti and Nico? I’m sorry for Andrea, he was in doubt for this match due to a small quadriceps problem and he gritted his teeth. He did what he has always done since he arrived, the goalkeeper denied him the goal but even today he created those situations that by working on he can be repaid. Nico hadn’t scored for a while, he had 2-3 situations and he got out of the way: I hope that the entire offensive department will give us a hand and a greater contribution from the wingers. Ikoné? He is a boy who sacrifices himself, who lacks goals, but with this goal and the assist he can also be a driving force behind Kouamé and Sottil for the final matches. Martinez Fourth? I put him to stay with three and send many players forward, he was also dangerous up front and has the ability to close the action and set up the game. Good for those who come in like this and manage to lend a hand to the team. In the end, strong teams have arrived, this competition has raised the level, if it is Bruges the return leg will be away and will have to be prepared well, but in the meantime we will enjoy this victory. Now we have commitments upon commitments, we will think about it.”
