Hellas Verona coach Andrea Mandorlini is wary of the threat Fiorentina will pose to the Gialloblu as the two sides prepare to battle at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on Sunday.
The Mastini currently have one more point than the Viola in the standings, but Mandorlini is adamant that is not a true reflection of the quality of the two clubs.
“I don’t know who is more excited, us or them [Fiorentina]. I have seen a lot of Viola matches, I think that their problem is linked to results and not to what they can do,” he stated at his pre-match press conference.
“They have important characteristics and this is a strange championship: if you win you can dream, if you lose you suffer.
“I see that they have rediscovered themselves which happens when you are coming off of two straight defeats.
“We mustn’t look at the standings as this is a strange season. Fiorentina have fewer points than us, but with how they play they have a credit in terms of results.
“We must take the pitch with humility and have maximum respect. It will be difficult for us but also for them.”
Mandorlini also commented on the recent comments of Italy coach Antonio Conte, who stated that Italian clubs are hindering the national team from spending time together.
“Maybe his complaints were due to the draw against Croatia, but I could be mistaken,” he stated.
“Unfortunately this matters little to us, as we have a lot of foreigners but I think giving a player to the national team is something to be proud of.”
