Mandragora: ‘The best period of my career’, aims for Italy call-up | OneFootball

Rolando Mandragora feels that he is currently in the ‘best period’ of his career after Fiorentina’s 2-1 victory over Celje in the Conference League quarter-final first leg on Thursday night, and adds that he ‘really’ wants to earn a call-up to the Italy national team squad to mark his recent form.

Mandragora hit Fiorentina’s second of the night from the penalty spot in a 2-1 win over Celje in the Conference League quarter-final first leg, following Luca Ranieri’s opener and preceding Logan Delaurier-Chaubet’s deficit-halving penalty midway through the second half.

You can see how it unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Mandragora: ‘This is the best period of my career’

Fiorentina’s Rolando Mandragora (L) celebrates after scoring a goal against Vitoria Guimaraes during the UEFA Conference League soccer match held at D.Afonso Henriques Stadium, in Guimaraes, Portugal, 19 December 2024. EPA-EFE/HUGO DELGADO

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia after full-time, Mandragora said: “We’re happy, winning in Europe is never easy. We had a bit of difficulty towards the end, but David (De Gea) gave us a massive hand.”

Asked if he feels more comfortable after Fiorentina’s recent switch from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-5-2 system, he said: “Yes, I’m feeling really good. It’s definitely the best period of my career. I’ve had injuries that held me back in other good moments, now I hope to enjoy this time as much as possible.”

Asked if he thinks a call-up to Luciano Spalletti’s Italy squad would be a nice reward, he replied: “I really hope so.”

There was a long debate over the awarding of the penalty that Mandragora won and scored from. There was a slight touch from a Celje defender, which wasn’t particularly obvious at first viewing.

“I was convinced I felt a touch. Ranieri was scared, but it was a bobble that made me lift the ball.

“I want to dedicate this goal to my dad, who drove for 10 hours to come and see me.”