Stefano Pioli took stock of the first two weeks of pre-season training at Viola Park after Fiorentina beat Carrarese 2-0.

“It's all been very positive. The players are very willing. They're hard-working and professional. You expect that when a new coach comes in but they've shown the right attitude, focus and desire to work every day. We're getting to know each other on and off the field so that we can create the best group possible and produce a clearly recognizable playing philosophy.”

What do you make of all the banners, the chants and the fans' huge show of support for you?

“It makes me feel a big sense of responsibility. It also makes me very happy. It's what I expected and it's what I want to do in Florence: to entertain and to enjoy myself. We can do that. It'll be long and hard and there are expectations to live up to but that's normal. It's only right we should strive for the best but if we want to be ambitious we have put in the hard work. That's the only way. But the team I'm coaching are men of substance so we can aim high and try to bring joy to our fans.”

You said you wanted an attack-minded team. How's it coming along after these first few games playing with three real strikers?

“We're still at the start but we're already doing the right things. Yesterday we played a team that sat back so we attacked from a bit deeper and I think we did that well. Today our opponents pressed high. 

"We have to get used to playing together but we have players who can produce good football. The more we work together, the better we'll get. 

"The next two weeks will be important for our preparation because we'll be upping the workload and we'll also be facing higher calibre opponents. We have to try things out and make mistakes so that we're ready for 21 August.”