Italiano on Fiorentina promise and ‘respect’ for ADL | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano reveals why he owes his Fiorentina captain dinner after a 2-2 draw with Napoli and what made his ‘respect’ for President Aurelio De Laurentiis grow.

In what was probably his final home game at the Stadio Franchi, Italiano oversaw the Viola come back from an early Amir Rrahmani header to turn it around with Cristiano Biraghi’s free kick and M’Bala Nzola.

However, a spectacular long-range Kvicha Kvaratskhelia set-piece sealed the 2-2 result.

“We’ll take this draw, we also have a game in hand, so will do what is necessary to secure our seasonal objective of a top eight finish,” the coach told DAZN.

“Napoli are a dangerous opponent with quick wingers and are so good on the counter. At times we are a little too open and that is something which could cost us dearly if we are not more careful. It should’ve been more comfortable after taking the lead, but instead we made life difficult for ourselves and risked defeat.”

There is one more Serie A match to be played against Cagliari, and of course the game in hand with Atalanta schedule for June 2, but Fiorentina already have their minds on the Conference League Final against Olympiacos in Athens on May 29.

“We all have this dream and all together will try to do one better than last season. I am glad the fans applauded the lads at the end of a fantastic two-year run and after Cagliari we’ll concentrate on bringing the trophy home,” added Italiano.

“Sitting on the bench at the Stadio Franchi is a role filled with responsibility. You know what you are going into, you know the passion of these people, so that is why you want to give your best and win every game. Sensing this atmosphere makes us realise we must leave nothing to chance.

“It is an honour and a privilege to share this experience with these players.”

Italiano owes Biraghi

After Arthur Melo scored a rare goal, now Biraghi has also broken the drought with his first direct free kick of the season.

“It hadn’t happened in a year, I told him he couldn’t close the campaign without a free kick. I guess this means I owe him dinner.”

Italiano has also been heavily linked with the Napoli job and was asked about talks with President De Laurentiis in the press conference.

“I believe that last summer he called the club and they did not allow him to contact me, so he stepped back. He behaved like a gentleman, I already had enormous respect for De Laurentiis and it only grew after knowing that.”