Antonio Floro Flores made one thing clear on the eve of Fiorentina vs Benevento in the Coppa Italia: his team will not step on the pitch already beaten. Speaking to journalists ahead of the match in Firenze, the Benevento coach repeatedly stressed the strength of Fiorentina, but also the need for his side to approach the game with confidence and discipline.
“La Fiorentina è una squadra forte, che ha fatto un ottimo mercato,” Floro Flores said, describing the Serie A side as a team that has strengthened well. Even so, he pushed back against the idea that Benevento should arrive with a passive mindset. “Dobbiamo avere l'umiltà di una squadra di provincia, ma non snaturarci,” he explained, adding that he does not want his players to be defined by fear.
That balance between respect and belief sits at the center of Benevento's approach. Floro Flores said he is not leaning on any supposed weaknesses in Fiorentina's game. Instead, he wants his team to focus on controlling what it can. “Non faccio affidamento sulle debolezze della Fiorentina, ma sulla nostra voglia di gestire la partita,” he said. He also framed the matchup as a difficult but open challenge, calling Fiorentina “una squadra di Serie A che ha fatto un mercato straordinario, ma non partiamo battuti.”
Goalkeeper decision for Firenze
Floro Flores also confirmed his goalkeeper choice. Looking back at the previous match against Ravenna, he said he selected the keeper who was in the best condition. For the trip to Firenze, that role will go to Vannucchi. “Col Ravenna ho scelto quello che stava meglio. A Firenze toccherà a Vannucchi ma ho tre ottimi portieri,” he said.
There was also an update on Raffaele, whom Floro Flores described as “un giocatore straordinario” who would have deserved to start against Fiorentina. The coach said he hopes the absence is not a long one. He added that Benevento still has decisions to make in the defensive group, with Ricci under evaluation and Celia still available.
Beyond the lineup questions, Floro Flores said he was encouraged by the attitude of the players who have arrived at the club. He praised the humility shown by the newcomers and said they have quickly made themselves available to the team. For him, that has helped create a strong level of mutual respect inside the squad.
As for the bigger picture, Floro Flores believes the group can still improve, but he is satisfied with the work done so far. His message before Fiorentina vs Benevento was straightforward: respect the opponent, stay humble and keep the match from becoming one-sided before it even begins.
