Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Saponara says he wants to stay.

Saponara played under new coach Vincenzo Italiano during his six-month loan spell at Spezia last term and he'd like to stay at the Artemio Franchi, now that he has returned.

“I get on well with the coach, there's a great relationship there. He respects me and knows how to get the best out of me," Saponara said at a press conference.

“There's a good chance that I'll stay at Fiorentina this season and I would be happy to do so. Knowing the coach already, I definitely have a bit of an advantage over my teammates, but everyone will have the chance to get to grips with his tactics.

“I started out playing behind the strikers at Ravenna and Empoli. I enjoyed my time playing out wide at Spezia, I like that position. I'm happy to do whatever the coach asks of me," he added.

“They don't teach you how to have a football career at school. My first few years at a high level left a mark, but you make a lot of mistakes when you're 20 years old. When I look back, there are regrets there, but I'm happy with who I am as a person.

“Now I just want to enjoy what's to come. I want to enjoy my football and help my team-mates out."