Vincenzo Montella joked that Fiorentina “are cursed” after injuries, dubious decisions and bizarre trajectories.
Vincenzo Montella joked that Fiorentina “are cursed” after injuries, dubious decisions and bizarre trajectories.
The Viola were held to a 3-3 draw by Genoa this evening, though there were controversial penalties and Alberto Aquilani had another goal incorrectly ruled offside.
“I believe games need to be analysed in their entirety and we should also view other results to realise there are no easy matches in Serie A. This evening it wasn’t easy on paper either!” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“I think we could’ve won if we had made more of certain incidents. I saw Facundo Roncaglia’s late shot and it curved in a bizarre fashion, almost as if it had been remote-controlled to swerve wide. It was incredible! Maybe we’re cursed!
“I never talk about the referees, so I’ll just say mistakes can happen.”
Fiorentina’s bad luck is evident in the list of absentees, which includes Giuseppe Rossi, Mario Gomez, Borja Valero and Nenad Tomovic.
“It’s true we have been unlucky and that almost all the injuries were traumatic rather than muscular, so you can’t work to prevent those. The more games you play, the more you’re likely to get injured.”
Aquilani scored the first Serie A hat-trick of his career, so did that surprise Montella?
“I was more surprised he didn’t get the fourth… We worked with patience at the start and it was tough to find space, while playing against Genoa is difficult. We didn’t allow them that many scoring opportunities, as we conceded with a penalty, a ricochet and a corner.
“I liked the attitude of the team, the desire to win and these are elements that will serve us well in future. I have to compliment them all for their efforts and hunger. I will admit the team is a little fatigued, perhaps more psychologically than physically.”
Anderson made his Serie A debut after arriving from Manchester United this week.
“He has an extraordinary desire to be a protagonist. He doesn’t have the physical sharpness he needs yet, so I’ll help him settle in gradually.”
Fiorentina had the chance to move within a point of third-placed Napoli, but did not take advantage of the Partenopei dropping points.
“We must focus first of all on consolidating fourth place, then we maintained the distance from Napoli intact, so that’s a positive. It’s a long season.”