The former Turin and Atalanta coach – among others – Stefano Colantuono gave an interview to Radio FirenzeViola in which he spoke about Serie A and in particular some hot topics at Fiorentina: “The championship has just begun and definitive judgments cannot be made but the usual objectives will be respected then there will be positive and negative surprises. However, Inter remains the team to beat.”
What is your opinion of your former teams, Torino, which is first and Atalanta, which is fluctuating?
“Torino started very well, it’s undeniable, despite the fact that they were thought to have weakened with the departure of two important players. Here, Torino could be one of those surprise teams I spoke about before, even if the fans will beg. Atalanta instead we will find them up there at the end of the season despite a somewhat poor start and the defeat against Como, because they have now become a top-level European team. They all have some problems now but they will fix themselves.”
What do you think about Fiorentina?
“I don’t consider starting with the newly promoted teams and the victory may have given the nod. But new coach, new players and new formation require some time but I also see Fiorentina as one of the top teams that can reach the noble areas ; it was built for this and the coach is good but he needs to be given time”
Is Colpani encountering any difficulties?
“He is of undoubted value and the coach knows him but the expectations of the market are completely different and he must be given a minimum of time to get used to and get into shape. The player does not have a button, he is a human being conditioned by many things but I don’t have the slightest doubt about its value until two/three months ago.
Can Gosens still give so much?
“I think so, he fills the game with his running, quality and ardour. He is a winger who can push and defend, with Atalanta he played at very high levels and for me the purchase was very appropriate because he is a good player.”
How do you see your former player Ranieri?
“I consider him a strong and applied player, it was a surprise. Even when he doesn’t put in a brilliant performance he always brings something home and gets the pass. The work at Fiorentina has been positive in recent years, now it’s less brilliant but from afar it’s It’s difficult to judge. If I were him I wouldn’t cause too many problems. Will he find space as a central defender or as a three-man? These are situations you have to see with your own eyes. I saw him as a left-back at 4 but he can also play as a central defender or as a wing-man. left, he is a flexible player. Then there could be a less good start but I would always like a player like him.”
Can Gudmundsson do well?
“I think so and as a coach if they asked me if I would like it I would immediately say yes. Then there are seasons and seasons but I always want it.”