Vincenzo Montella praised Mohamed Salah’s “extraordinary form” after Fiorentina ended their Inter curse.

The Viola hadn’t won this fixture since May 2000, losing their last 13 consecutive visits between Serie A and Coppa Italia.

“We are truly satisfied, as for long periods we held the initiative against an Inter side that was in great shape,” Montella told Sky Sport Italia after a 1-0 victory.

Vincenzo Montella praised Mohamed Salah’s “extraordinary form” after Fiorentina ended their Inter curse.

The Viola hadn’t won this fixture since May 2000, losing their last 13 consecutive visits between Serie A and Coppa Italia.

“We are truly satisfied, as for long periods we held the initiative against an Inter side that was in great shape,” Montella told Sky Sport Italia after a 1-0 victory.

“Despite making changes, we kept our usual levels up and that means the squad is united with a clear overall identity.”

The Tuscans finished the match with nine men, as after completing all their substitutions both Nenad Tomovic and Stefan Savic were stretchered off.

“The team left the pitch like heroes, as everyone had to work hard and even Vargas was forced to become a centre-back.

“The first half was balanced and we held possession, but I was worried that we didn’t have the right belief or determination to win it. After the break we stepped up the intensity levels and won the game.”

Khouma Babacar was injured in the first half and Montella was asked why he picked Salah to come on rather than centre-forward Alberto Gilardino.

“I made a tactical decision and wanted to make the most of Salah’s extraordinary form. I know that when a player is going through that kind of form, it’s the duty of a Coach to encourage it.

“I think he can play any position in attack. He attacks the space well and is very good at getting straight into the groove of a game when coming off the bench.”

Fiorentina beat Tottenham 2-0 in the Europa League midweek with just 36 per cent possession, yet dominated the ball at San Siro. Are they becoming more versatile?

“My plan is always to find the goal via good football. Sometimes you have to adapt based on the players at my disposal.”

Norberto Neto performed a decisive late fingertip save, backing the decision to bring him into the fold after a contract dispute and Ciprian Tatarusanu’s injury.

“Neto is one of our two goalkeepers and continued training with great professionalism. In all honesty, I was never pressured into dropping him and have no fear of saying that. The club can indicate certain situations, but I always make the final decision.”

Montella joked about his rapport with Inter Coach and former Sampdoria teammate Roberto Mancini.

“There is always great affection and respect between us. He was an idol when I started out as a Coach and I always liked the way he put his teams out.

“When we were players it’s true that he helped me score many goals. He was very altruistic in the box, which I was never good at. Having said that, the same season Mancini also set a new personal best of goals, so I helped him too!”

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