The Viola coach talks about his future but says he is focused on the Conference League semi-final match against Brugge, the striker is not hiding
History knocks on the door of Florence, for the second time. After the Conference final lost last year against West Ham, Fiorentina wants to try again. Tomorrow at the Franchi there is the first leg of the semi-final against Club Brugge and the anticipation in the city is growing even if the atmosphere remains darkened by the many voices linked to the future of Italiano. His farewell seems increasingly obvious, with several clubs reportedly on his trail. There was also talk of a meeting that had already taken place with Torino. The coach clarifies this in the previous conference.
Italiano shies away from rumors related to his future
We talk about Naples, Milan, Bologna, Turin for Italiano, with the risk of fatal distractions but the coach clears the field of misunderstandings: “It can’t be a topic for me. I am on the eve of an extremely important match that we all care about and that we are preparing in the best possible way. We know what I think but I have no intention of taking my focus away from tomorrow’s match. What if I met with Torino? No, for me Brugge exists, the rest is just talk: Naples, Bologna, Milan, Turin, then? I also read Marseille. If we listen to all these voices… We hear all sorts of things, I’m happy that he’s being compared to different companies, but the concentration must remain on this season finale which sees us once again get to the bottom of everything.”
For Fiorentina the goal is to play the Europa League
In mind there is the desire to go to the Europa League next season: “To reach it we must win the Conference or get there through the championship, in which we are catching up. In Serie A we are in a positive moment as I thought. Certain, we will have some tough opponents in Serie A but 15 points available are a lot and we will try to get as many. We too have to pedal to keep up with those in front of us. In the meantime, let’s think about tomorrow and the first leg of the semi-final, then we’ll dive back into the championship where we still have important points available.”
“The important thing is to prepare perfectly for the match against Bruges in both phases and not get carried away by anxiety or stress. “Very fearsome team, they play with three attackers. If they are here it is because they are strong. We will have to think about tomorrow’s match, but also the return match. Let’s see with what tactical attitude they want to face us. Last year we also played the first leg at home against Basel and in the return we played, in my opinion, the best match of my three-year period. Tomorrow we will have to do even better, to play in the final in the return leg. We will have to take advantage of Franchi’s drive and enthusiasm.”
Nico Gonzalez clarifies his celebration
Also in the press room was Nico Gonzalez, who explains his extravagant celebrations. In Salerno he had covered his eyes. On Sunday, however, after the brace against Sassuolo, Nico Gonzalez covered his ears. As if to say “I don’t see or hear”. The player reveals the mystery: “I am for a person to whom I promised to make the celebrations of “I don’t see, I don’t hear and I don’t speak“. I like to celebrate like this and let’s hope that tomorrow I can do the “shut your mouth” thing. The celebrations are not critical, they are simply a way to joke and have fun. I like to celebrate this way and mistakes and “no matches” are all part of football. But I like this, I like criticism and pressure. When I play with pressure I can perform at my best. I know that the team needs me and that I am an important player. The kids and the staff make me feel it every day.”
