Coach Stefano Pioli was relieved after Fiorentina defeated Empoli 3-1. "Conceding first was the biggest risk, but we reacted wonderfully."
The Viola had gone six weeks without winning a single match, but they ended that negative streak today, against a dangerous opponent that had picked up 10 points in the previous four games.
"This was a very challenging game, but we were driven and we gave it everything we had," said Pioli after the match.
Coach Stefano Pioli was relieved after Fiorentina defeated Empoli 3-1. "Conceding first was the biggest risk, but we reacted wonderfully."
The Viola had gone six weeks without winning a single match, but they ended that negative streak today, against a dangerous opponent that had picked up 10 points in the previous four games.
"This was a very challenging game, but we were driven and we gave it everything we had," said Pioli after the match.
"After Juventus, Empoli are the team that picked up the most points over the last four games. Considering the context, we did really well.
"What I liked the most was our never-say-die spirit. We did not give in after the opponents took advantage of our mistake and scored a goal. We wanted a victory, and we earned it.”
Giovanni Simeone ended his drought with two goals in as many games, but his celebration was oddly angry today, putting his finger to his lips and looking towards the Fiorentina ultras.
“I prefer other kinds of celebration,” said Pioli.
"These kids may be young and carefree, but they are not irresponsible. We all felt troubled, because our last victory was all the way back in September.
"I wasn't expecting an easy encounter. The greatest risk was conceding first, and it happened, but then my lads reacted wonderfully. Today will serve to teach them a lot.
"We kept things simple. After all, that's what we needed at a time like this. My formation was simple too, with three defenders facing up to their two strikers, parity of numbers in the midfield, and easy manoeuvres.
"This was just the game we needed, although we might have resolved it earlier.
"Now I won't look at the standings until the winter break. We'll have three games in close succession to worry about. Milan, Parma and Genoa are tough opponents, but not out of our reach."