Fiorentina, Barone: "Ikoné an ideal player for us. Vlahovic is central to our team"

Fiorentina are one of the season's surprise teams, in fifth place in Serie A as they look to continue their ways in the Coppa Italia. Director General Joe Barone spoke to discuss the season and some key players: "I envision a very competitive Fiorentina who reclaim the top spots in the league."

Other than the sporting results, president Commisso's right-hand mand also discussed other off-field objectives for 2022: "One of the dreams is to inaugurate Viola Park, a new sporting center for the men's and women's teams. A singular gem in Italy and in Europe."

Interviewed by La Repubblica, Barone also discussed the transfer market. The primary objective for January is Jonathan Ikoné from Lille: "We know what we will do in January, we have been working for some time. We are following Ikoné, we like him and he would be ideal for our style of play."

Barone spoke as well about Dusan Vlahovic, Fiorentina's potentially departing striker: "He is a serious professional. We offered him an extension, the largest in the history of Fiorentina. He and his agent let us know that the do not want to accept. The offer is on the table and remains there. Could he leave in January? As of today he is a Fiorentina player. I cannot know what will happen in the future. But one thing I wish to say: this is a tight group and a strong one. Vlahovic is one of its components."

Italiano? "I like him a lot. They pay high, pressing, pushing forward. It's football like Zeman, exactly like I was looking for in a coach. In the summer he looked at the lineup and said: "Ok, first I want to see what I can accomplish with these players." The results are clear." finished Barone.