Vincenzo Italiano thrilled with Fiorentina reaching Europa Conference League final
- Planet Sport writer
- 18 May 2023
Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Italiano admitted he felt incredible joy after watching his side come from behind against Basel to reach the Conference League Final.
Fiorentina will meet West Ham in the final of the Europa Conference League.
The Italians lost the first leg 2-1 at home to Basel but won 3-1 on the night thanks to Antonin Barak's goal deep into stoppage time at the end of extra-time.
Nicolas Gonzalez had earlier scored twice for Fiorentina either side of an equaliser from Zeki Amdouni.
The Italian side now have two finals to look forward to with the Coppa Italia against Inter on May 24, then the Conference League Final against West Ham in Prague on June 7.
"The joy is incredible. Coming here and playing a game like this with three goals, showing this immense hunger to reach the Final. We suffered so much to get here both last season and starting early," Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.
"The lads were simply extraordinary, because it is not easy to come here and play with this character and quality. We are rewarded for that, we now have two Finals to play along with the Coppa Italia and it has been a fantastic journey.
"I am happy because when you start a new project, bring new principles in and add many new players, you are rewarded for this desire, sacrifice and hunger. If I had to choose between the Coppa Italia Final or the Conference League, I'd have chosen the European one. Fortunately, we got both!
"I dedicate it to the lads, they were so concentrated and hungry. After the final tactical meeting, they let out this huge round of applause that fired everyone up, even the waiters who were in the hotel. We proved all that desire on the field today.
"Scoring in the final minutes of extra time after a game like that, it was such a sense of liberation.
"On paper, the opponents are stronger than us, but we will study them, fight hard and push to the end to achieve the maximum result."
