Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano admits he was viewed as a villain at Spezia as he left last summer.

Italiano quit Spezia after committing to the Viola before the end of last season.

He recalled to La Repubblica: "I pass for a traitor.

"For one who had signed the renewal then he turned his back and chose another. The reality is that I had signed under certain conditions that were suddenly changed.

"The boos, however, for me are synonymous with passion and I think the La Spezia fans loved me."