Vincenzo Montella was impressed by Chievo’s approach, but fears excessive enthusiasm around Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”4″>Fiorentina.
The Viola suffered more than expected, but got past the Flying Donkeys 3-1 in Florence.
Vincenzo Montella was impressed by Chievo’s approach, but fears excessive enthusiasm around Fiorentina.
The Viola suffered more than expected, but got past the Flying Donkeys 3-1 in Florence.
“Subconsciously there was a risk we could underestimate this test, so I rotated the squad and played those who were perhaps more motivated at this opportunity to shine,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“It was a very good performance against an excellent Chievo that caused us all sorts of problems throughout, but overall I think my team did enough to win it.
“Chievo got back into the game, but we finished it off in mature fashion. It was a shame we went a little too deep at one point.
“It was a ‘real’ game and Chievo are tactically sound, so this is the kind of battle you face in Serie A, as teams know how to defend and how to attack you. They interrupted our flow in a certain way, but when we picked up the pace we did get past them.”
Juan Cuadrado was surprisingly dropped against Juventus” data-scaytid=”12″>Juventus in the Europa League on Thursday, but scored a spectacular volley tonight.
“I have no doubts on Cuadrado. It was a purely tactical decision on Thursday. We’ll see over the next few days what choices I’ll make and the strategy I take against Juventus.
“I agree to a certain point that Cuadrado is ‘irrational’ and that unpredictability is his strength, but it can also become a weakness because he takes his teammates by surprise too. He is a hard worker and is learning to become the top player in his role.
“It was the perfect performance from him tonight and I hope he can play like this 40 times a year.”
The first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 ended 1-1, so the second leg is on Thursday, but Montella fears excessive enthusiasm.
“It’s a difficult match, considering the enthusiasm in the city and that went through us after the first leg draw, people acted as if we had already qualified! Unfortunately we have to play the second leg still and it is going to be incredibly tough.”