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Fiorentina coach Pioli spoke at a press conference on the eve of the second match of the Conference League group stage tomorrow evening against Rapid Vienna.

Stefano Pioli met with the press ahead of the challenge against Rapid Vienna, here are his responses to the questions from the journalists present.

Is the Conference League an opportunity to change the trend of the league as well?

The league is a different story, the Conference is another tournament, we need to earn points. Then from Sunday, there will be other matches…

What aspect are you finding most challenging?

In the last few matches, we have played on par with teams of excellent level, we need to play more as a team at certain moments. We need to support each other more. What is said outside of our group is good for us, it brings us closer together.

Was there a meeting with some player representatives?

To deny it means it didn’t happen… If a player talks to the coach, is it possible for him to reject it? It’s falsehoods. We are united. But what do we need and want? Results and we are working to give satisfaction to the fans and the club.

Have you seen signs of improvement in the last few games: what are they?

I believe that compared to the first games, we have been more attentive, more compact: we need to attack more, be more dangerous, we need to fill the opponent’s area.

You have a rather complicated group: do you agree?

We want to go all the way, but it is clear that we have a tough group, we have taken the best from each tier…

What’s going on with Gudmundsson?

I have a lot of confidence in this player, I see him better: he is a player who will give us a big hand, I’m sure of it.

The Florentine environment is in turmoil… do you hear the criticism against you?

The moment is particular, the criticisms against me do not take away my serenity, my clarity in work, I always put more dedication. I believe it is correct to judge only the performances and not what may be around. Every time we lose, it is said that the locker room is divided but we need to work, focus and I believe in my players.

There will be several close games, are you thinking of some rotations?

Tomorrow I will make more changes than usual, we have three very close commitments. But I am convinced that whoever takes the field is ready to play a good game.

Has anything changed with Sohm after a period where he didn’t convince?

Sohm is doing better, he has regained good condition: I think he will play tomorrow, I don’t know if from the start or as a substitute.

Goalkeeper choice: De Gea or Martinelli tomorrow?

De Gea will play tomorrow, as I think Comuzzo could play. Fagioli did well in Milan.

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This week, the 2005 class Pio Esposito scored his first goal in the Champions League, but who are the youngest Italians to have done it before him?

The Champions League is the competition that all players dream of from the moment they put on their first pair of boots. Scoring a goal in this competition at a young age is therefore synonymous with great personality and satisfaction. Let’s see who the youngest Italian players are who have scored at least one goal in the world of the giants of Europe.

Top 10 youngest Italians to score in the Champions League

MOISE KEAN (PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI)

9th Moise Kean with PSG, age: 20 years and 8 months

8th Nicola Ventola with Inter, age: 20 years and 4 months

7th Tomas Locatelli with Milan, age: 20 years and 4 months

6th Francesco Pio Esposito with Inter, age: 20 years and 3 months

5th Thiago Motta with Barcelona, age: 20 years and 3 months

4th Antonio Cassano with Roma, age: 20 years and 2 months

STEPHAN EL SHAARAWY (PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI)

3rd Stephan El Shaarawy with Milan, age: 19 years and 11 months

2nd Nicolò Zaniolo with Roma, age: 19 years and 7 months

1st Mario Balotelli with Inter, age: 18 years and 2 months

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Chelsea, Enzo Maresca sees Estevão as a future number 10, comparing him to Cole Palmer for his growth and adaptation.

A Rising New Talent at Chelsea

Enzo Maresca recently expressed his excitement for Estevão after Chelsea’s 5-1 victory over Ajax, highlighting his potential to become a quality number 10. According to Maresca, Estevão has shown great desire to learn and grow, essential characteristics to emerge in modern football.

Maresca made an interesting parallel between Estevão and Cole Palmer, emphasizing how Palmer also started his career playing in a more external position at Manchester City, before evolving into a more central role by using his physicality. This growth path could be replicated by Estevão, offering Leicester a new talent option in the attacking midfield.

Estevão’s Growth Path

Under the expert guidance of Maresca, Estevão has the opportunity to develop his skills and refine his game to adapt to the demands of the number 10 role. The young player is determined to work hard to build a successful career, and with the support of his coach, the future looks promising.

Maresca’s confidence in the young Brazilian is a clear sign of Chelsea’s strategy to invest in young talents, a move that could prove successful in the long run. With time and proper training, Estevão could become one of the club’s stars, following in the footsteps of established players like Cole Palmer.

For more transfer news, click here.

Source: X by Fabrizio Romano

💙👀 Enzo Maresca on Estevão playing as number 🔟 in future: “He wants to learn, he needs time… but in my view, he’s similar to Cole Palmer”.

“Cole started wide at Man City then built some physicality. In future, Estevão can do the same and become a number 10”.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) Oct 23, 2025