Fiorentina coach Vicenzo Montella talked about his team’s tricky away trip to Sampdoria in this Saturday’s pre-match conference.
Montella looked to focus on his team’s mental preparedness ahead of their clash against a strong Sampdoria side, but also mentioned the quality of the pitch that could be a hindrance.
“Sampdoria have been amazing in terms of the consistency of their results,” said the Fiorentina coach.
“They are a very pragmatic team and a very dangerous one thanks to their coach [Sinisa Mihajlovic], especially when it comes to dead-ball situations.
“The pitch will not be great and it will force us to play a little less; it will be difficult to get the better of our opponents on their field.
“We are considering some changes but our opponent of the day won’t just be the pitch.”
Montella also answered questions regarding the form of young striker Khoouma Babacar.
“I was very surprised by him [Babacar],” said Montella.
“He is adapting very well this time, but he has done very little so far; at his age, there are players who have done much more.”
Montella finally fielded questions regarding a possible return of Mario Gomez to the starting lineup, which he quickly brushed aside.
“There is no way he is starting,” the Fiorentina coach continued.
“But we will soon see him better; he is approaching his true return.
“[On playing Gomez and Babacar together] It is too early to say if it is possible yet.
“They are two players that look alike, but I think it would be an important opportunity to test out if they can play together.
“I have yet to decide on playing them together however as they don’t know each other so well yet [on the pitch].”
Fiorentina are currently 10th in Serie A and on the back of an impressive 3–0 win over Udinese in midweek.
