Assistant coach Stefano Citterio reflected on Fiorentina’s goalless home draw with Parma, emphasizing the need for calm despite a sense of unfinished business.

Not a missed opportunity

Asked if the draw felt like a missed chance, especially with Bologna losing and other key fixtures still to play, Citterio disagreed.

“No, I wouldn’t say it was a missed opportunity. We all want the three points, of course, but we were always aware that Parma would be tough. They had a strong performance on Sunday and we said before the match that it would be tricky and it was. Maybe they edged the first half, we did better in the second, so the draw feels fair. It doesn’t change our path. Everything is still to play for, there are many matches left and direct clashes ahead. We now turn to the Conference League first and then back to Serie A with the same drive and determination.”

Consistency against smaller sides still a challenge

Citterio responded to the recurring issue about how Fiorentina often step up against the big sides but drop points against mid-to-lower table teams like Parma, Verona and Como.

“We’re not making excuses. We could’ve done more in the first half. Parma were good at putting us under pressure and stopping us from playing how we wanted. In the second half, we had more control and possession, but maybe we needed to be faster in our build-up and sharper in the final third. The boys wanted it. Sometimes it’s about fine margins. If that chance for Moise Kean had gone in, we’d be talking about a win.”

Injury updates and decisions

Citterio gave a brief overview on injuries and rotation.

“Nico Gonzalez is fine. That situation is off the pitch and better handled elsewhere. Marin Pongracic came off just to rest. With so many matches, we have to rotate. Luckily, we’ve got players on the bench who are always ready and do well when called upon.”

Regarding Fabiano Parisi, who went off with a knock:
 “He’s doing OK. He just took a knock to the ankle. We’ll check on him tomorrow and see how he responds.”

Holding off with Zaniolo

Asked why Nicolo Zaniolo didn’t come on late with Fiorentina chasing the win, Citterio explained the tactical approach.

“Of course, we considered Zaniolo. He has quality and can change a game. But Parma ended with three strikers and we didn’t want to expose ourselves too much. We had control, we had good ball movement, but we were just missing that sharpness in the final ball, maybe a bit of clarity. We tried everything to get the three points.”

Focused on Thursday and what’s to come

Despite squad limitations heading into the Conference League return leg, Citterio was calm and focused.

“Until today, the only goal was Parma. From tonight, we’ll shift our focus to Celje. We’ve got players out, yes, but this is a united group. We’ll prepare with everything we’ve got. We still believe in our objectives and one draw doesn’t change that. We’re on our path and we’re not turning back.”