Nicola: ‘Cremonese are too fragile, but I believe in safety’ | OneFootball

Davide Nicola admits Cremonese are ‘too fragile’ after a 4-1 defeat to Fiorentina, but insists he continues to ‘believe’ in Serie A survival. ‘We are only three points away.’

This was a must-win match for the Seahorses, who went into it without suspended Giuseppe Pezzella, plus injured Jamie Vardy, Federico Baschirotto and Michele Collocolo.

CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: David Okereke of US Cremonese celebrates after scoring the 1-3 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

However, after a big David De Gea save in the opening two minutes, they crumbled to a 4-1 home defeat to Fiorentina with Fabiano Parisi, Roberto Piccoli, Dodo and Albert Gudmundsson on target.

David Okereke, who had been frozen out of the squad for months and last week made his first appearance since August 2025, got a mere consolation goal, but they were jeered off the pitch at the final whistle.

Nicola struggling to keep Cremonese afloat

CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: Rolando Mandragora of ACF Fiorentina and Youssef Maleh of US Cremonese fight for the ball during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

“I try to be honest and objective, it’s understandable the fans express less than great enthusiasm right now, but this is precisely when we need their support behind us,” Nicola told DAZN Italia.

“It’s only right they express irritation and disappointment, which can help in a different way. The team gave all it could tonight, but admittedly we are too fragile at the moment and concede far too easily.

“Having said that, we never stopped trying to create chances, so at this moment I prefer to look on the positive side and not seek scapegoats. I believe safety is within three points, but if we continue to be this fragile, then it’s going to be tough.

“We must believe in ourselves, I believe we have it within ourselves to find that turning point. I believe, I don’t just say that as a mantra, but when I put a target in my mind, I am ready to accept all negative and positive moments to achieve it.”

CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: Federico Bonazzoli of US Cremonese shoots on goal forcing goalkeeper David De Gea of ACF Fiorentina to make a difficult save during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

The situation is now dire, as Cremonese are left in the relegation zone on 24 points, three behind Lecce and four adrift of Fiorentina.

They are also only six points ahead of the bottom pairing of Pisa and Hellas Verona.

This team had started the season so well, but now have a pitiful four draws in 15 games, scoring just five goals in that time.

There are inevitably reports that Cremonese could therefore sack Nicola, even though he is a specialist at getting teams out of impossible situations.

CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: Coach Davide Nicola of US Cremonese reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

“We always have to challenge ourselves, and if during a not brief period the results don’t come, you have to try different situations,” noted Nicola.

“I’d say more than not scoring goals, the problem is that we concede them too easily. We conceded today at the first situation, and it’s up to us to resolve it.

“We are not going to do that by added sadness or depression, but with the enthusiasm of those who know that safety is only three points away. It’s all still up for grabs.”