Paulo Sousa was “proud” of his 10-man Fiorentina earning a 2-2 draw away to Basel, but Facundo Roncaglia “has to control his emotions.”

The Viola were 2-0 up in Switzerland despite an early Roncaglia straight red card for elbowing Breel Embolo, but tired as time went on and were pegged back 2-2.

“I applauded my players because I am proud of this team, who did well to control many situations that didn’t go our way,” Sousa told Sky Sport Italia.

Paulo Sousa was “proud” of his 10-man Fiorentina earning a 2-2 draw away to Basel, but Facundo Roncaglia “has to control his emotions.”

The Viola were 2-0 up in Switzerland despite an early Roncaglia straight red card for elbowing Breel Embolo, but tired as time went on and were pegged back 2-2.

“I applauded my players because I am proud of this team, who did well to control many situations that didn’t go our way,” Sousa told Sky Sport Italia.

“A side in difficult does that, defending even without the ball in a positive way, and I can only applaud them.

“Roncaglia? With Facundo and everyone we try to control or emotions, because we are trying to enjoy ourselves by playing football. We have to improve and there are players who perhaps have more difficulty in that sense, such as Facundo, but we want to improve because everyone is needed.”

In the opening minutes Fiorentina were denied a fairly evident penalty for handball, while the second Basel goal appeared to be offside.

“Every Coach experiences the game respecting the referees who do their work. I am emotional and I too need to improve, I know that.

“I’ve never spoken about referees so far and I won’t do it now.”

Federico Bernardeschi has been playing in an unusual wide role, but scored twice today.

“He scored two goals while participating in attack and defence. He knows that he can occupy the field well as a support striker and a winger.

“He works hard, is young and can improve a great deal. People should take inspiration from him.”

Fiorentina now need only a point at home to Belenenses to qualify for the Round of 32, but Basel are sure of topping the group.

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