Vincenzo Montella said Fiorentina “lacked concentration” in their 4-3 defeat to Sassuolo and welcomed back Giuseppe Rossi.
Vincenzo Montella said Fiorentina “lacked concentration” in their 4-3 defeat to Sassuolo and welcomed back Giuseppe Rossi.
The Viola lost their last slender chance of catching Napoli in third place with this result, though they had been 4-1 down and almost equalised in stoppages.
“This is football, the differences between teams are minimal,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“The team lacked concentration, but not determination. For 20 minutes we played well, then the penalty broke the deadlock and we suffered on their counter-attacks.
“We showed some pride towards the end and even risked getting an equaliser. I want a team that is reinforced next season, even if it’s difficult to repeat certain results.”
The penalty was awarded for Borja Valero’s handling offence to charge down a shot, though insisted he was protecting his face.
“It did hit Valero’s elbow, but he was not increasing the size of his body with the arm. Paolo Tagliavento made the decision anyway.”
There was one bright spot from this game, as Rossi made his first Serie A appearance since damaging knee ligaments on January 5 and scored a goal.
“He is an extraordinary player, as when he’s not in great shape he still manages to find that moment of magic from a champion.”