Forbidden to think about Real Madrid. The temptation is strong, but Antonio Conte doesn't want to indulge in distractions. On the other hand, today's match in Florence, already important in itself given the rivalry that divides the two teams, is even more important after the exploits of Roma, now 5 points ahead of Juventus. That's why winning at the Franchi is a requirement, otherwise the top of the standings would slip away dangerously.
“If we want to win the championship again, we have to do something extraordinary – Conte reiterated at the press conference. – Nothing is taken for granted and the match the other night between Rome and Naples must make us open our eyes. The Giallorossi are no surprise, they have extraordinary pace and if they continue like this they will break all records. This, however, must be a stimulus for all of us”. The message is loud and clear: just indulge in recent glory. The championship has already shown that the bar has risen, so it's not enough to be the strongest to win again. And then there's the Champions League, which on Wednesday will put Real Madrid on the road for Juventus. But that is another story.
“Today Real doesn't matter to me – explained Conte to a Spanish journalist. – The match of life is the one with Fiorentina and it's good to meet such a strong opponent on the eve of the Champions League, it will help us keep the tension high". Franchi will certainly not miss that one, sold out like any self-respecting Fiorentina-Juve. Conte knows well that it won't be all roses and flowers especially for him, rather disliked around the Arno, yet he doesn't seem to worry about it: “If that were the case, I'd have to stop being a coach right away.
What are we talking about? Opponent fans who jump over and attack me? It's okay that we're in Italy and nothing surprises me anymore, but here we're exaggerating. Every time it feels like going to war, it sucks, we all have to improve. In Florence they did well to remove the barriers because the Florentines are civilian fans, and they will be against us as well". The coach does not hide that a setback could be a big problem: “It's a huge game, because both the Viola and Inter, in the event of victories, would go back to talking about the Scudetto.
However, this was expected on my part, I had said well in advance that it would be a very tough season". But what he didn't expect was Vidal's delay, which upset his plans more than he cares to admit. The Chilean has been called up, but he will start from the bench. “I haven't spoken to him yet – Conte thought. – When I do, I'll ask him the reason for this delay, which made him miss two training sessions. There are rules and we will enforce them for everyone's good."
And then, with the Chilean on the bench, there was no puzzle in the midfield, with the Pogba-Pirlo-Marchisio trio building up the game and protecting the defence. The backlog is the only department that will not undergo changes, with the very titular Barzagli-Bonucci-Chiellini defending Buffon's goal. Asamoah will play on the left, while on the right, given the unavailability of Lichtsteiner, there is a Padoin-Isla runoff, with the Italian clearly favored. In attack the only sure of a shirt is Tevez, the other, net of the injuries of Vucinic and Quagliarella, if Giovinco and Llorente play. La Formica seemed to have the advantage, but the Spaniard is doing quite well and Conte, in yesterday's final finishing touch, proved him with the owners. In short, it is probable that this afternoon it will be his turn…
A lot of energy also in the Fiorentina house, with Vincenzo Montella eager to stop the rival of all time: “It will take head up and chest out, we need to see who is stronger individually. They are used to high-intensity matches, and they also have loads of weapons at their disposal. The approach will count for a lot, then sometimes certain races are also won with episodes”. To face the Lady, the Viola coach could change formation, switching to a more protected 4-3-2-1 with Cuadrado and Borja Valero behind the lone striker Giuseppe Rossi.
