Vincenzo Montella feels a fatigued Fiorentina “did not deserve to lose” 2-1 against Inter and criticised the linesman.

Vincenzo Montella feels a fatigued Fiorentina “did not deserve to lose” 2-1 against Inter and criticised the linesman.

“I think Inter deserved to be in front in the first half, as they were quicker, more reactive and had the initiative,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“However, in the second half we played the better football and had been able to equalise, but unfortunately Inter got that goal.

“You can also add in the bad luck we had, as Mauro Icardi’s goal was offside. We were lacking in energy after the Coppa Italia game and ahead of the Europa League fixture. As Inter will acknowledge, playing in these tournaments takes something away from you in Serie A.”

This defeat arrived in-between a Coppa Italia semi-final and a Europa League knockout tie.

“It’s a shame to lose on home turf. We wanted to push forward, as that’s what we are accustomed to, but I think we just lacked the physical and psychological energy. Instead we ended up waiting for Inter, who were clearly superior in the first half.

“After the break it was more open and I saw Fiorentina play on the same level as Inter did in the first half.”

Montella was unimpressed when he saw the replays of Icardi’s winning goal, as the striker was offside on Yuto Nagatomo’s cross.

“Coaches are not referees or linesman. It did seem something that was not exactly difficult to judge. It’s a mistake, not a complicated one to evaluate, but it can happen. We accept the error, just as we accepted worse than this.

“It’s a pity, as when these incidents happen they do affect the results and consequently the whole campaign.”

Mario Gomez made his comeback after five months, but Juan Cuadrado went off with a calf injury.

“We tried to win the game after equalising, as we had the initiative and were in control. Unfortunately I also had to use up some substitutions, as Gonzalo Rodriguez was injured and Cuadrado was one of several who wanted to come off. There was fatigue all over, particularly in midfield. We had prepared two very attacking wingers, but the energy to push just wasn’t there.

“It’s a shame, as we came so close to getting the equaliser at the end and didn’t deserve to lose. Compliments to Inter, we go forward aware there’s a long way to go in a difficult season.”

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