“We’re fine, the last match gave us confidence and enthusiasm. We looked for a good result and we got it. It was essential to arrive at tomorrow’s match with a positive attitude. Almost all of us are available and ready for this match. It would be extraordinary to continue in the tournament.” Vincenzo Italiano sounded the charge in yesterday’s press conference, on the eve of the Conference League semi-final first leg against Club Brugge. The Viola team is looking for a second consecutive final after losing to West Ham a year ago.
An objective that is certainly within reach and to achieve it the coach will rely on his best 11, unleashing all their offensive potential: there will be Bonaventura in midfield as well as Beltran, Gonzalez and Belotti in attack. A Florentine in attack, which looks for heavy goals from its two centre-forwards, who have not been prolific in recent weeks; the spark came for the wingers (1 goal for Kouamé and Sottil, 2 for Ikoné, 3 for Nico Gonzalez), not yet for Belotti and Beltran.
The former Torino player is the most awaited man. His innate propensity for sacrifice and the great work he does for his teammates often make him lucid in front of goal, but now is the time to get serious and demonstrate that he is up to great challenges. The Rooster this season he has scored seven goals in 39 total games, only one with Fiorentina, in February against Frosinone. He had scored three times in the Europa League with Roma and this could be his night. Finishing well to earn a place in Spalletti’s squad at the European Championships: this is the goal of the 30-year-old from Calcinate.