Fiorentina 2-0 Sigma – Pioli: ‘Winning helps but we must keep improving’

Fiorentina head coach Stefano Pioli was satisfied after his side’s 2-0 win over Sigma Olomouc in the Conference League but stressed that more work needs to be done to recover consistency in the season ahead.

“Winning helps, that’s for sure,” Pioli told Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“We played a good game, managing it well. We could have closed it earlier: there were some mistakes but we were always in control. Now our focus is on the league, with a tough match against Roma coming up.”

On goalscorer Roberto Piccoli, who scored his first goal for the club tonight, Pioli underlined the importance of confidence: “A striker grows with confidence and belief through goals. It was important that he scored, always penetrating and deep. He worked very well and deserved the goal: he gives us important solutions.”

He also praised Cher Ndour and Fazzini: “Performances in matches give me ideas, but you also have to consider the opponent. The important thing is that the boys were ready.”

Fiorentina coach Pioli on struggles so far

Tactically, Pioli admitted flexibility is key. “We are working hard on certain aspects. We have many attacking players, so we can play with two or three of them. The most important thing is that the team has ideas and puts every opponent in difficulty. That’s what matters.”

Finally, Pioli addressed Fiorentina’s wider struggles this season. “Negative results in Italy bring many discussions. Results and performances haven’t always been at the right level but we mustn’t put aside who we are. The group’s unity has never been in doubt. We’re trying to find full fitness. In the league we are behind, but we are still working at our best.”

Click here to read the full match report of Fiorentina’s win against Sigma.