Coach Paolo Vanoli and goalkeeper Luca Lezzerini were in attendance for Fiorentina’s pre-match press conference ahead of their Conference League away tie against Jagiellonia. Here’s some of what they had to say:

Lezzerini

“I’m really excited to hopefully be starting for Fiorentina for the first time in nine and a half years. I feel happy and fired up. It feels like I’m closing a circle. I toiled away for many years, often in lower divisions, in teams fighting for survival or trying to reach playoff spots. Now that I’ve got this opportunity again I want to fully embrace it.

“Regarding the cold weather, I’ll prepare carefully for the game. I’m going to wear thermal leggings and try to keep moving, especially when the ball is far from my goal. As a goalkeeper, you can’t allow yourself to switch off, especially in freezing conditions. Staying active helps, both physically and mentally.

“As a goalkeeper, a certain level of fear be positive because it keeps you on your toes. The important thing is learning how to deal with it. I want to stay calm, enjoy the moment and focus on giving my best performance.”

Vanioli:

“For me, motivation is never a problem. I approach every match with passion and intensity. My mentality is that you’ve got to try and win every game. Even if this Conference League match comes between important league fixtures, it’s still a crucial game for us.

“This is a two-legged tie, so we’ve got to be smart. It’s not a one-off match - we need to manage it carefully. The weather and pitch conditions may be difficult, but we can’t let them become excuses. They’re challenges we must confront and overcome. Jagiellonia are top of the Polish league, so we must stay fully focused.

“Regarding rotation, there’s no such thing as nailed-on starters in my book. Every player at the club must feel ready. When you represent this club you’ve got to prove your value, whether you play for half an hour or the full 90 minutes.

“As for the pitch, I’m not worried about injuries. It’s part of the game. We visited the stadium ahead of time to study the conditions. We need to decide whether to build from the back or play more directly, depending on how the match unfolds. Reading the game quickly will be crucial.

“I don’t underestimate the Conference League - European competitions help teams grow and gain experience. We must respect Jagiellonia and be ready for a difficult match, all the while being fully aware that qualification will be decided over two games. We need focus, intelligence, and the right mentality. That’s what I expect from my team tomorrow.”