Fiorentina’s 2021/22 season came to an end on Saturday and the Viola finished the year in style, bagging an impressive 2-0 win over Juventus. It was a victory that sealed their spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League next year as they make their return to European football. Midfielder Riccardo Saponara, coach Vincenzo Italiano and Sporting Director Daniele Prade reflected on this successful season and looked ahead to a bright future for the club.

Italian playmaker Saponara shared his joy at what the side have achieved this year. “We need to enjoy this amazing moment. It’s something we all believed in at the start of the season. We knew we could achieve something special for this club.”

It hasn’t all be plain-sailing for the Viola, as a recent run of form saw their hopes of Europa League football dashed, but ultimately, they’ve enjoyed a positive and much-improved campaign. “We’ve had some highs and lows. We’ve been on a journey of development. We’re a little disappointed because we had the chance to get into the Europa League, which shows what an incredible year we’ve had. Now it’s time to celebrate because I think we’ve given Florence and all the Fiorentina fans the team that they truly deserve.”

The final match of the season against Juventus was the perfect way to round off the year in front of the home fans. “We finished it off with a special performance in a full stadium. I don’t think we could ask for a much better way to end the season: a great win in front of a full crowd, allowing us to celebrate together. There’s nothing better than that.”

The Viola coach shared these sentiments and looked ahead to what his side must do when they play in Europe next year. “It’s a competition that requires a lot of energy, dedication and hard work. The players will need to show professionalism and be at their best. We’ll need quality and try to strengthen the team where we can. The squad has shown togetherness from the beginning, so we have fantastic foundations from which to build. We now have time to talk and plan, with the aim of making as few mistakes as possible, because Florence deserves what we’ve achieved, if not more.”

He also had a special message of thanks to those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to help Fiorentina achieve success. “I want to thank everyone who has been involved in this journey, especially those behind the scenes: the sports staff, chef, kitchen staff, kitmen, drivers. They are never in the limelight. Over 90 minutes, we are the ones who run the show, but there are so many people who form the backbone of this club. I want to dedicate this to them too.”

Finally, Prade was full of praise for the growth he has seen at the club. “We know ourselves better, we do things intelligently. We’re very happy. I’m so pleased for the president, the coach, the team, for everyone, because they’ve developed a lot. I’m especially happy for the players who will now get to play in Europe. We’ll enjoy it. Congratulations to the lads.”