Mandragora: ‘The best period of my career’, aims for Italy call-up after Celje 1-2 Fiorentina – Football Italia – April 10 latest

Rolando Mandragora feels that he is currently in the ‘best period’ of his career after Fiorentina’s 2-1 victory over Celje in the Conference League quarter-final first leg on Thursday night, and adds that he ‘really’ wants to earn a call-up to the Italy national team squad to mark his recent form. 

Mandragora hit Fiorentina’s second of the night from the penalty spot in a 2-1 win over Celje in the Conference League quarter-final first leg, following Luca Ranieri’s opener and preceding Logan Delaurier-Chaubet’s deficit-halving penalty midway through the second half. 

You can see how it unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Mandragora: ‘This is the best period of my career’

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia after full-time, Mandragora said: “We’re happy, winning in Europe is never easy. We had a bit of difficulty towards the end, but David (De Gea) gave us a massive hand.” 

Asked if he feels more comfortable after Fiorentina’s recent switch from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-5-2 system, he said: “Yes, I’m feeling really good. It’s definitely the best period of my career. I’ve had injuries that held me back in other good moments, now I hope to enjoy this time as much as possible.” 

Asked if he thinks a call-up to Luciano Spalletti’s Italy squad would be a nice reward, he replied: “I really hope so.” 

There was a long debate over the awarding of the penalty that Mandragora won and scored from. There was a slight touch from a Celje defender, which wasn’t particularly obvious at first viewing. 

“I was convinced I felt a touch. Ranieri was scared, but it was a bobble that made me lift the ball. 

“I want to dedicate this goal to my dad, who drove for 10 hours to come and see me.”