24 hours before the Conference League Semi-final, ACF Fiorentina also had its traditional press talk. Find out below what Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano had to say about the important return at Jan Breydel.
Plenty of Italian journalists at Jan Breydel and they were obviously curious to hear what Italiano had to say. The loss against Hellas Verona last weekend and the elimination in the cup competition against Atlanta are still fresh in their minds, but according to Italiano his team is ready for the game against Club: "In smaller games we sometimes let ourselves hang a bit, but this is Europe so that won't happen. Just like against Atlanta, we start the match with a tight bonus (Fiorentina were eliminated in Bergamo in the semifinals of the Coppa Italia after a 4-1 defeat, edit), but again this will be a difficult match in which anything can happen. The important thing is to remain 100% focused and not give away any chances."
A 3-2 first leg result gives the Italians a slight bonus, but all is still to play for: "The two goals we conceded in Florence came through our own mistakes, but overall we played a good game. Our goal was to start this return with a lead, because at home Club Brugge will certainly be ready. In Europe, clubs always play a little differently at home, at a higher pace and with more forward pressing."
Italiano realises Club has a sturdy home advantage: "We saw the fans have prepared a tifo. It will be a big game with a lot of physical play. We should avoid making mistakes and try not to give Club an advantage. It will be up to us to defend well, to play with more focus and quality".
FINAL LAST SEASON
Fiorentina is not new to the situation, having already made it to the Conference League Final just last season. "We already played about 30 games in this competition, against many a good opponent. So we do have some experience. We are 90 minutes from a Final and reaching it again would be very nice for myself and for the club. The whole city backs us in our European course, you felt that last season too."
Finally, the Italian coach had some final thoughts on Club: "We are prepared for their game. We know how they defend and above all attack. They will play similar to last week, but at a higher pace to make it even more difficult for us," said Italiano, "they have to force something to get that first goal and then we have to stay calm. In games like this, details often make the difference, so we must not lose focus for a second and give 100%."