Nicolussi Caviglia inspired by Pjanic, Ward-Prowse and Crujiff | OneFootball

Hans Nicolussi Caviglia is happy to reunite with some former Juventus academy products at Fiorentina, revealing how Miralem Pjanic, James Ward-Prowse and Johan Crujiff inspired him.

The midfielder completed the deadline day move from Venezia to Fiorentina, with a paid €1m loan and option to buy for a further €7m at the end of the season.

That can become an obligation if a certain number of appearances and minutes on the field are achieved during the course of the campaign.

He had also been heavily linked with the likes of Bologna and Torino before coming to the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Nicolussi Caviglia new face for Fiorentina

VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 17: Hans Nicolussi Caviglia of Juventus looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus – Serie A TIM at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 17, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“I had a lot of interest this summer, but I am very happy to be here,” assured Nicolussi Caviglia in his presentation press conference.

“I have a fantastic rapport with Moise Kean, we’ve known each other since we were eight years old in the Juventus academy and remained in contact, even if we haven’t played together for a few years.”

The 25-year-old is not your typical football player, as he is currently re-reading The Iliad, and has a passion for golf.

“I find golf has many similarities to football, especially when you need to find your concentration and think before you act, be in the moment. It can be very useful when stepping up for set plays. I grew up watching Miralem Pjanic take free kicks, he really was world class. Of the current players, I admire the way James Ward-Prowse takes set plays.

“I wear the Number 14 jersey because it is my sister’s birthday, but also one of the figures I’m most inspired by is Johan Crujiff. He always said discipline and creativity must co-exist, so I try to put that into my approach to football.”

VENICE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 09: Hans Nicolussi Caviglia of Venezia and Lucas Gourna-Douath of Roma in action during the Serie A match between Venezia and AS Roma at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on February 09, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Nicolussi Caviglia is a new and rather different figure in the Fiorentina midfield, where he can either partner or stand in for Nicolò Fagioli.

“I can play in a two or three man midfield, as a deep-lying playmaker. I’ve played alongside Nicolò many times and we can easily work together. I had an important season at Venezia, I improved my leadership skills and communication, it was a step I needed to go through for my maturation as a player.”