Italiano: ‘Fiorentina can do better’

Vincenzo Italiano is glad the Fiorentina strikers finally found the back of the net, but a 2-2 draw with Udinese means they ‘can do better.’

It was ultimately a good result for the Viola, considering they had to twice come back from a goal down to the Sandi Lovric counter-attack and Florian Thauvin strike.

They clawed their way back with the Lucas Beltran glancing header on a cross from debutant Marco Davide Faraoni and late M’Bala Nzola penalty.

However, it is still a game Fiorentina expected to win and almost did when Jack Bonaventura thumped the upright in stoppages.

“What I don’t like is that often we struggle to have a high tempo in the first half on home turf, but fortunately those who come off the bench usually do well,” said Italiano in his press conference.

“We have got to start taking a different approach. We knew Udinese could hurt us at the tiniest mistake, but I liked the reaction to going behind. Both strikers scored today too, even if we didn’t win. I was glad to see Nzola finally take on the responsibility with the penalty.”

Once again, the Viola have so much possession and yet turn very little of that into genuine scoring opportunities.

“Clearly, they need to do more and be more demanding of themselves. There was a lot of service today and we can do better.

“This result moves us up the table and now we prepare for the Supercoppa.”

This draw and Bologna’s defeat in Cagliari means that Fiorentina just about hold on to fourth place, but Lazio have now closed to within just a point.

It was a strong debut from Faraoni, who just arrived yesterday on loan from Hellas Verona and already provided an assist.

“He only had half a training session, but I talked to him a great deal, he has a lot of experience and immediately realised what to do, how we develop in attack and defence. He will be in competition with Michael Kayode for a spot and I am sure this will help the younger player to grow.”

Fiorentina must now fly out to Saudi Arabia, where they will play Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final in Riyadh on Thursday evening.

The winners of that tie and the other Inter-Lazio semi-final will then meet in the Final next Monday.

“It is satisfying for everyone, we are playing for a trophy alongside three big teams who are more accustomed to this kind of competition. Lazio and Inter won a lot in recent years, Napoli are the reigning Champions of Italy, so we are happy to be there.”

There are suggestions Nico Gonzalez could even participate in the Supercoppa after several weeks out with a thigh strain.

“Riccardo Sottil is not at 100 per cent. Gonzalez will make the trip with us and we’ll evaluate him one day at a time.”