One has reached the second European final in two years, another will probably go out tonight, but with the record of having reached the fifth semi-final in six years, yet another is anticipating the first European final in its history. I am Fiorentina, Atalanta e Roma to keep the name of Italian football high in Europe.
This year, in fact, the other big teams have disappointed: Juventus didn’t even participate, Milan was kicked out by the Giallorossi themselves, Inter was unable to repeat their run to the final, Lazio on the other hand had to surrender at Bayern Munich. In short, hopes are all pinned between Bergamo, Rome and Florence.
Vincenzo Italiano. Photo Source: Sports Daily
Purple joy, we fly to Athens
The narrow victory on the Bruges pitch gives the team Vincenzo Italiano a new final, the second in two years, in the Conference League. “Amazing second half, the curse of the posts seemed insurmountable but this time we were good on the penalty with Lucas. Great achievement. When I arrived in Florence I told the fans that I would do anything to go to Europe, because I had never been there as a player. I’m happy, there are stadiums and very warm fans“. Last year Fiorentina had to stop against West Ham, this year the final should be against Olympiacoswho if confirmed would play at home: “There are pitfalls on both sides. We will watch the match and then prepare everything depending on the opponent. Now we enjoy the final, it’s all too beautiful“.
De Rossi. Photo Source: La Stampa
The race in the Europa League
This evening we will also meet the two Europa League finalists. Here the Italian dream is kept alive above all by Atalanta, who after the draw in France awaits the Marseille within the friendly walls of Bergamo. The bookmakers give the home team the advantage, putting them on the board at 1.75.
A whole different story, however, for the Roma (not surprisingly banked 6.00) who should succeed in overturning the 0-2 score in the first leg and win at the home of the German champions Bayer Leverkusen, who haven’t lost a match since last May. How certain matches turn around, however, is well known by Daniele De Rossi, who was on the pitch and also scored in the historic match between Roma and Barcelona 3-0: “Bayer are very strong and those of Barcelona were considered Martians. Everything makes me think that we have what it takes to be able to go on the pitch and recreate that sort of atmosphere, then it’s not automatic to pass. But we are ready to play a real game and reopen the issue“.
In short, we will just have to wait to see which Italian will get to the end.