Vincenzo Montella confessed to Fiorentina “regrets” after fumbling a lead and missing a penalty against Torino.
The Viola have slipped down to fifth place behind Lazio after this 1-1 result, which saw Khouma Babacar’s penalty saved and a Mohamed Salah opener wiped out within 120 seconds.
Vincenzo Montella confessed to Fiorentina “regrets” after fumbling a lead and missing a penalty against Torino.
The Viola have slipped down to fifth place behind Lazio after this 1-1 result, which saw Khouma Babacar’s penalty saved and a Mohamed Salah opener wiped out within 120 seconds.
“There are some regrets. It wasn’t the most consistent performance, but we tried to the end with more belief and aggression than our opponents, then conceded on the counter…” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s disappointing, as the lads really believed and it was a tough game against a Torino side that plays in a very obstructionist manner from the start.
“It is particularly painful because we knew Torino relied on the counter-attack and conceded one anyway. It would’ve been fantastic to win and continue our good run.
“I would certainly make the same choices, as we have players who are an integral part of the group and others who needed a rest.
“Of course so many changes make it more difficult to find consistency, but I knew that and it was a calculated risk. Torino made the most of their counter-attack.
“Our characteristics are these, we are not that rapid at getting back, but on this occasion we should’ve had more protection. We accept the result with regret, but hope to learn from it.”
Babacar’s confidence may well have been affected by this penalty error.
“I think the penalty weighed on him too much, but he does take spot-kicks. He was a little tired and so I substituted him.”
Josip Ilicic had a rare start and impressed against a Torino side he almost joined in January.
“It was certainly his best performance in terms of consistency and we saw how hard he worked throughout the game. He also put quality in and it’s better to have this many options at my disposal.”
On Thursday Fiorentina host Tottenham for the second leg of the Europa League tie, having drawn 1-1 at White Hart Lane.
“Why do we do so well away from home? Teams don’t sit quite as deep on their own turf as they do at the Stadio Franchi.
“I don’t expect Tottenham to be defensive, so I expect an open and fast-paced game much like the first leg.”