Cesare Prandelli hails this victory as a sign that Fiorentina, but above all Stevan Jovetic, have made the step up to Champions League level.
“Jovetic has done more than a step up in quality,” said the Coach after the Montenegrin bagged a brace in the 2-0 triumph over Liverpool.
“Last season he clearly had the quality, but it was most often used only for his own moves. From this term he is playing at the service of the team with the right movements.
“I have to compliment him, because he arrived for pre-season training with a great deal of belief. He is scoring regularly, is more relaxed and happy.
“Last year he tried a bit too hard to score and with that attitude it often doesn’t happen for you. The goal comes when you are relaxed.”
Liverpool failed to score for the first time in 21 Champions League matches, but this confirmed the statistic that Fiorentina have never conceded at home to an English club in this competition.
Manchester United and Everton were also beaten here 2-0, while Arsenal held out for a 0-0 result.
“In the first half we were very, very organised and kept the right shape throughout. Football is fairly simple, the important thing is to be able to interpret it,” continued Prandelli.
“I hope the defence can improve even more, hopefully playing it to feet. Liverpool got more confident after the break and pushed further up the field, but we did well in the second half too.”
Lyon hammered Debrecen 4-0 in Hungary and take on Liverpool next, which means Fiorentina have a good chance of closing on the leaders.
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