Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano was delighted for Lucas Beltran after their 6-0 Europa Conference League thrashing of Cukaricki.
Beltran struck twice – his first goals for the club – on the night. He also drew the foul which saw Luka Subotic sent off.
“Finally, it seemed impossible that Beltran could not score and he showed the great quality of a striker. He had wonderful technique on the first goal to move the defender, the second was wonderful. Finally, I had never seen him celebrate before,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.
“The moment when a striker finds the net, you have to strike while the iron is hot. I am glad for Lucas and also Sottil to score their first goals of the season. I had hoped Nzola would score too today, but hopefully the goal will boost Beltran’s confidence.
“The objective was to win and hope for a good result in the other game, so that is what happened. We were consistent in front of goal and made the most of the extra man. We know this is not a futile result, because last season we were forced into the play-offs on goal difference with Istanbul Basaksehir, so every goal can be decisive.
“We are not the only team who allow room behind the defence, so the strikers know they must make the run waiting for the long ball, just as Ranieri and Martinez Quarta did well to provide that pass over the top.
“It is annoying that every time Fiorentina allow a few too many shots on goal, people point the finger at our tactics. This is our approach, we try to win the ball back all over the field and the defenders know that they must cover the space if they try to anticipate the opponent. Sometimes we do it better, sometimes we get it wrong.
“A high defensive line works for us and gives us advantage, but it comes with risks. These are our tactical principles, which took us to two Finals, to help many young players grow and improve. Obviously, we can always do better and we work on that in training.”
