Alberto Aquilani insists Fiorentina leave the Europa League “with heads held high” after the defeat to Juventus.
Alberto Aquilani insists Fiorentina leave the Europa League “with heads held high” after the defeat to Juventus.
The first leg had ended 1-1 in Turin, but Andrea Pirlo’s free kick proved decisive after Gonzalo Rodriguez had been sent off.
“There is bitterness and disappointment,” the midfielder told Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s a shame, because we kept up with a great team like Juve. We made them suffer and scared the Bianconeri, but the result speaks clearly.
“We set out with an unusual system for us and I was asked to sacrifice my usual game to block Paul Pogba, as he needs only a moment to make the difference.
“We created three or four scoring opportunities and could’ve taken the lead. There is both bitterness at going out and the pride that we leave with our heads held high.”