Genoa boss Vieira: ‘We showed ambition and discipline” in Coppa Italia win | OneFootball

Patrick Vieira was visibly pleased after his Genoa side’s 3-0 win over Vicenza to progress in Coppa Italia, with the coach praising both the collective effort and individual contributions of some of his key players.

Speaking after the game, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, the French coach shared his thoughts on the performance, the integration of new arrivals and the challenges that lie ahead for his team in Serie A.

“I am very satisfied with the performance,” Vieira said. “It was a difficult match. Vicenza were organised and in the first half, because of their structure, we couldn’t create much. But I liked the spirit and the way we stayed disciplined on the pitch. In the end, we showed that we were stronger physically and tactically compared to the last game we played.”

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Patrick Vieira, Head Coach of Genoa looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 22, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Vieira praises ambitious Genoa

The coach underlined how important a strong approach was for his team’s ambitions. “We want to go as far as possible,” Vieira continued, “The way we approached the match tonight shows that we are ambitious. We’re far from winning the Coppa but tonight the goal was to progress to the next round. These are the most difficult games in football but we showed desire to compete, play with rhythm and respect the game. That’s why we won.”

A big talking point was the role of new signing Nicolae Stanciu, who has quickly won over his manager. “Stanciu has quality and brings calmness on the pitch, especially technical calmness,” Vieira explained. “He can score and provide assists. He will help the team become even stronger in the final third.”

GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 15: Valentin Carboni of Genoa (left) scores the opening goal during the Coppa Italia match between Genoa CFC and LR Vicenza at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 15, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Vieira also pointed to the development of young forward Valentin Carboni, making clear the project around him. “Carboni is a talented player and today he showed it, but physically he’s still not at 100%,” the coach admitted. “There’s work to do, and our objective is to make him grow. Last year we saw it: players who came here left at another level. With the structure of our club, we can help these players improve.”

Vieira fond of Johan Vasquez’s ‘hunger to win’

On his team’s depth, Vieira was also optimistic: “We’re in good shape, we have a squad. Looking at the bench, players like Ellertsson, Ekhator, and Sabelli didn’t even play tonight. We have alternatives, we have options, and I’m happy with the group I have.”

Johan Vasquez of Genoa reacts during the Coppa Italia match between Genoa CFC and UC Sampdoria at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on September 25, 2024 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Finally, Vieira singled out Johan Vasquez as a crucial presence in the dressing room. “Vasquez showed his qualities again tonight: he’s tough, he loves to compete and win. He’s part of the leadership we have here, he’s a positive example. I like his hunger to win.”