Cesare Prandelli admits he did not expect Fiorentina to be doing so well, but it's all down to “more belief and experience.”
The Viola went out in the group phase last season, but are currently second following their 4-3 win at Debrecen and Lyon's 2-1 victory away to Liverpool.
“I did not expect this. I expected the team to be improving, which we are, and to always fight to do better.
“We started with a handicap and ended up struggling at the end, but it's the Champions League and that is inevitable.
“The lads have grown in belief and realised by working hard during the week they can deliver more on match day.
“It's all down to expectation. We had some experience last season and have nothing to lose, so we may as well go for it and play our football.”
The Tuscans went 1-0 down in the opening minutes, but by half-time were leading 4-2 with Adrian Mutu's brace, Alberto Gilardino and Mario Alberto Santana.
This was all achieved despite leaving Stevan Jovetic, whose brace destroyed Liverpool, on the bench in Budapest.
“Playing Mutu and Gilardino is a dream, but right now we are not in any way ready to support that,” noted Prandelli.
“I am very happy to have Adrian back and from now on we'll have many excellent forwards to choose from and all can give their contribution.”
Deb 3-4 Fio: Viola win Budapest thriller Adrian Mutu's brace, Alberto Gilardino and Mario Alberto Santana gave Fiorentina a spectacular 4-3 victory away to Debrecen. More
