Vincenzo Montella believes Parma are “similar to Fiorentina”” data-scaytid=”3″>Fiorentina” in that both teams seek good football first and foremost.
They go head-to-head on Monday at 18.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Vincenzo Montella believes Parma are “similar to Fiorentina” in that both teams seek good football first and foremost.
They go head-to-head on Monday at 18.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“Parma are a very good side and want to reach results by playing good football, so in that sense they are similar to Fiorentina,” said the Viola Coach.
“They are doing very well in Serie A, so this is a dangerous away game at the Tardini. The Ducali also impressed last season and are building on that to be a consistent side. They can also switch from 3-5-2 to 4-3-3 during a match situation.
“With Antonio Cassano, so much of it depends on him. If he’s on a good day, it’s very difficult to stop him.”
When they met earlier this season in Florence, Parma snatched a 2-2 draw with Massimo Gobbi in the last move of the game.
“That made us extremely angry and we took that out on Dnipro with a victory in Ukraine,” noted Montella.
“In a way it helped us to take a step forward in terms of how we control matches, as afterwards we did better in that sense.”
Fiorentina are in the Coppa Italia Final and won the first leg of their Europa League Round of 32 tie 3-1 away to Esbjerg this week.
“We are doing very well in all three competitions, perhaps above our capabilities if we consider all the injury problems. As for third place, we have to follow our own path and remember there is competition both in front of and behind us.”
Mario Gomez made substitute appearances against Inter and Esbjerg after nearly five months out following knee surgery.
“He needs to play, to find his form and his confidence. At the moment chances he was used to scoring aren’t going his way, but he just needs patience to get there.”
Montella was also asked about the referees following club complaints at the Mauro Icardi offside goal last week.
“We accept it all. Of course there might be some irritation at times, but it does pass. I don’t even know who tomorrow’s referee is going to be…
“In my view we have to understand each time what kind of approach the referee gives and adapt to that. Some allow more of a certain type of foul, some punish them immediately. A smart and capable team will adapt to his refereeing style.”