Vecchi: "Hard work gets results"

REGGIO EMILIA – Stefano Vecchi cut a beaming figure when he came into the mixed zone for interviews after his Primavera side won the 2016/17 Scudetto. 

"We constantly demand the most from ourselves," he began. "Getting this victory was important and informative because the lads now understand that hard work gets you results.

"We’ve qualified for the UEFA Youth League, a new experience for us coming up against the top clubs in Europe. It really has been an exhilarating season. It was important to win today because we have worked hard from day one and reaping the rewards is vital for our development.

"We were one of the youngest sides during the Final Eight; Michele Di Gregorio was our only over-age player.

"Fiorentina played well, especially in the attacking half, but our focus in defence, couple with our desire never to back down, made the difference. I’ve always thought of myself as the Primavera coach first and foremost; I just coached the first team temporarily and tried to do my best. It went well because we got three wins in four matches.

"In three years," Vecchi concluded, "we have won the three most important competitions."