The Hearts-Fiorentina connection - no-nonsense defender, Salvatori homage and Robbie Neilson’s memories
Pasquale Bruno spent a season with La Viola in the 1990s. Only a spell at Lecce separated the no-nonsense defender’s time in Florence and a move to Gorgie to sign for Hearts.
He, however, is not the only Hearts and Fiorentina connection. The popular Stefano Salvatori also played for both clubs.
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Hide AdThe Italian midfielder, who passed away in 2017, had two spells in Florence ahead of a move to Gorgie where he helped the club win the Scottish Cup in 1998.
Still revered in EH11, this double header with the Serie A side presents another opportunity to pay homage to Salvatori. His image will grace t-shirts and flags when Hearts head to Florence next week.
Manager Robbie Neilson was a youngster in the club’s academy when the Italian duo were first-team stars.
“I trained with both of them when I was a young player and they were both very defensive minded, very strong, very aggressive and organised, similar to what the Italian football culture was at that time.
“We learned a lot from both of them.”