Vincenzo Italiano implored his players to take advantage of the opportunities they are presented with against Viktoria Plzen in the Conference League quarter-final second leg on Thursday night, more so than they did in their first leg last week.
The two teams will meet again in Tuscany on Thursday night with the scores level at 0-0 after last week’s goalless draw in Czechia.
The victors of the Fiorentina-Plzen quarter-final will go on to face either one of Club Brugge or PAOK in the semis. The Belgians have a 1-0 advantage heading into their return leg in Thessaloniki, also on Thursday night.
Conducting his customary pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Italiano told the media that his squad must act differently to how they did last week.
Italiano’s preview
“We will have to do much better and go about things differently compared to the first leg if we want to score goals, We are level. When we’re in their half, we have to do what we were unable to do in the first leg,” he said, reported via TMW.
“We had plenty of the ball in the last game and conceded only a few chances, that’s a positive but we have to be quicker in the final third, filling the area with more of our players, take advantage of opportunities from dead balls and work differently to how we did in the first leg.
“Whoever scores has a chance to see it through until the end of the game, we know that our opponent’s defence is airtight and that they defend incredibly well and concede very little away from home.”
Italiano also suggested that this is likely the biggest week he has faced since he joined Fiorentina back in 2021.
“In my opinion, this is one of the most important weeks, at least since I’ve been here. To play in a European semi-final would be extraordinary, and then we also have the Coppa Italia semi-final as well, but we are putting that to one side for the moment. All focus is on tomorrow.”
Fiorentina pressure and ‘Barcelona of Italy’ label
La Viola were recently described as the ‘Barcelona of Italy’ by Italiano’s counterpart at Viktoria Plzen, coach Miroslav Koubek, due to how they kept hold of the ball in their first leg.
“I haven’t read the full quotes,” Italiano responded. “But, people have told me he was referring to how the first leg went down, when we didn’t give them much of the ball and didn’t let them build as they would have liked. Well done to us from that point of view!
“I am convinced that they thought they would pose more threats with the counter attacks they had prepared, but instead we kept them quiet. For me it’s a compliment, I hope we have the ability to limit them tomorrow as well.
When asked if he and his players are affected by pressure, Italiano replied: “There is no pressure, especially on our European journey. In fact, I’ve seen lots of banners around Florence, and that’s made me really happy. I like the sense of belonging and togetherness.
“I know how important that sort of support is for the guys, I know them, and tomorrow it’s such an important match, I think Florence has understood as well. Tomorrow we have a chance, all together.
Team news, Arthur and Belotti
There was also an update on team news, player fitness and specific questions on Juventus loanee Arthur, and striker Andrea Belotti, who arrived from Roma in January.
“The minutes (Arthur) got in Plzen and then the second half on Monday gave him a real boost in terms of his condition, and he is doing a lot better. We’ll see for tomorrow, we have time to evaluate exactly what we need, whether it’s more quality or more structure, let’s see.
“On the day we will also have Lopez, Barak, Duncan, we have many possibilities and different characters to choose from.”
Then, when fielding questions on the form of Belotti, Italiano said: “We all expected a few more goals from him, we have to be honest. The boy works extraordinarily hard for the team, he runs when not in possession, he is useful in winning the ball back.
“On Monday, he had a goal ruled out by millimetres, and he also came up against a goalkeeper who pulled off a miracle. We still have important games to play and those who give their soul for the team must be repaid. I am convinced that Andrea will get the opportunity to make his comeback.”