UECL Final: Biraghi expects Fiorentina revenge against Olympiacos, but still has regrets over West Ham | OneFootball

Cristiano Biraghi admits that the Fiorentina squad still have regrets from their Europa Conference League final loss against West Ham last season, but he expects the squad to have a fighting spirit about them when they go again against Olympiacos in the final of the same competition on Wednesday night.

Fiorentina have made the Conference League final for two consecutive seasons now, which means that they have appeared in two out of a possible three finals since the tournament’s inception in 2021.

Biraghi sat down alongside Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano for the mandatory pre-match press conference on Tuesday evening, where he analysed his team’s chances in tomorrow’s final.

Fiorentina still have West Ham regrets

To begin with, Biraghi was asked how he feels about last season’s 1-0 loss to West Ham, almost exactly a year on to the day.

“You always think about it, it’s such a big event that you carry it around with you for the rest of your life,” he replied.

“A year has passed, but it’s still fresh. There is bitterness, but in the joyous moments, and in the negative ones, you want to share it with those who have been with you throughout the journey; the fans.

“There was general bitterness, on our end and from those who went to Prague. Even though it was bad, it was a moment that we all shared together. We’ve done well to return to the final for the second year in a row, without having lost. We arrive with respect for our opponents, but are prepared to overcome the odds.”

Asked if he and the squad are motivated by the possibility of ‘revenge’ in Wednesday night’s final, Biraghi replied: “Definitely, but that’s the same for everyone who was there last year; the coach, the staff, the whole club.

“We all want to change a result that we know we didn’t deserve last year. Unfortunately we made a few more mistakes than West Ham did and we were rightly punished.

“We want revenge and we want to come away with the trophy because of all the hard work we have put in over the last three years under this coach. And also for those who are unfortunately no longer here. We have a lot of motivation, now we just want the game to come as soon as possible. Once you’re here, you want to play straight away.”

Fiorentina growth under Italiano

Biraghi is appreciative of the continuity Fiorentina have been afforded in recent years, approaching the end of Italiano’s third full season in charge of the club. He believes a three-year spell under the same coach has only helped the squad to grow.

“We have grown exponentially, and it shows. We have been lucky enough, in a football world that moves so quickly, to work with our coach for three years and build something over time. We often tell ourselves that certain mistakes we made in the first year are no longer happening, we make mistakes and we correct them. Nobody’s ever perfect, but you always strive to try and get there.

“We’ve had more than 100 games in two years. It’s been an incredible effort. Tomorrow’s result will not change my opinion on a wonderful three years.”