BASEL, SWITZERLAND - MAY 18: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of ACF Fiorentina, speaks to the media in the post match press conference after the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final second leg match between FC Basel and ACF Fiorentina at St. Jakob Stadium on May 18, 2023 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano gave injury updates on Nico Gonzalez and Gaetano Castrovilli ahead of the Conference League Final against West Ham United.
The pair ended this evening’s 3-1 Serie A victory over Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium visibly limping.
While midfielder Castrovilli appeared to have a knee issue, Argentina international Gonzalez crashed into the upright during the brave header to nod in the third goal of the game.
“Nico collided with the post and that looked pretty painful, but I hope it is nothing but a bruise,” Italiano told DAZN.
“Gaetano was frightened, as his knee had a strange movement, but it seems to be fine now. He was much calmer in the locker room.”
Castrovilli spent most of last season out of action following knee surgery, so had every reason to feel concerned.
Fiorentina’s victory means they can only lose eighth place in Serie A this season if Torino manage to beat Inter, so that could be worth a place in the Conference League if Juventus are excluded by UEFA for financial irregularities.
The focus now moves towards the Conference League Final, which is against West Ham in Prague on June 7.
“It was important to win today and give ourselves a mentality boost, especially as our opponents have had the full week to prepare for the Final,” added the coach.
“We know that we are up against a strong side, even if they haven’t done that well in the Premier League this season, but are full of quality players and have a good coach.
“There is a mountain for us to climb, but we are ready and will try to do our best.”
Fiorentina have already played in the Coppa Italia Final last week, but were beaten by Inter.
