Vincenzo Montella felt “Fiorentina could’ve won” against Udinese, who now have “a 51 per cent chance of qualifying.”
Vincenzo Montella felt “Fiorentina could’ve won” against Udinese, who now have “a 51 per cent chance of qualifying.”
The Friulani won the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final 2-1 this evening with a late Luis Muriel strike.
“Perhaps we left Muriel too much space and he decided the game,” Montella told Rai Sport.
“We could’ve done more, but overall we played well and at the moment it seemed to be heading to a 1-1 result, Muriel came out with this moment of magic. He deserves compliments.
“It was one of those games open to any result, so Fiorentina could’ve won and ended up losing. We knew Udinese were a great side.”
The Viola now have one draw from their last three games between Serie A and Coppa Italia.
“The team has always performed, though of course there can sometimes be errors. At times we appeared to be almost relaxed into the result, whereas we should always try to win.”
The second leg is at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Tuesday night and Fiorentina have an away goal.
“It is absolutely all still open and we knew this was going to be tough against a balanced Udinese side who have quality and know how to cause you problems. Qualification was never going to be decided in the first leg.
“There was great team spirit and it wasn’t easy, especially with the rain, but the players dived into it. Of course it is annoying to lose, but it just means we’ll have to be even more determined in the second leg.
“As Udinese have won the first leg, I’d say they have a 51 per cent chance of qualifying.”
Montella was also asked about Mario Gomez, whose comeback is closer after knee ligament surgery.
“Gomez should partially begin training with the group tomorrow, though he’s been out for five months. We hope Pepito Rossi can be back as soon as possible, though it will take longer.”