Vincenzo Montella begged Fiorentina fans to suspend their protest and support the team in a relegation battle with Parma. “They are like oxygen for us.”
It kicks off at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Both these teams were challenging for Europe not that long ago, yet find themselves two rounds from the end of the season and not mathematically safe from relegation.
Vincenzo Montella begged Fiorentina fans to suspend their protest and support the team in a relegation battle with Parma. “They are like oxygen for us.”
It kicks off at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Both these teams were challenging for Europe not that long ago, yet find themselves two rounds from the end of the season and not mathematically safe from relegation.
“I don’t like to make appeals to the fans, but this team needs to feel loved and supported. I urge the fans not to ignore us, but to stay by our side,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
The ultras have been protesting patrons Diego and Andrea Della Valle, including leaving the Curva Fiesole section empty for the entire first half.
“When the fans came out for the second half against Milan, it made a real difference and I’ve seen it happen before. Feeling the supporters close to us is like oxygen. Please, let us put rancour aside for this day.
“There are some seasons that end in glory and others that feel like they’ll never end at all. Unfortunately, this era is coming to a close in draining circumstances, but I am still not worried about the table. I am convinced we’ll pick up points.
“The only concern I have is the tension in the air. The more the weeks go by, the more anxious we seem to get. If I analyse the five Serie A games, we are third best in terms of dangerous scoring opportunities, but last when it comes to efficiency in front of goal. We also tend to allow only two shots on target per game.”
If Fiorentina are struggling, then Parma aren’t doing much better, as they are two points behind on 38 – only three clear of Empoli in the relegation zone.
“Along with us, Parma are the side who have picked up the fewest points over the last few weeks, so it’ll above all be a game played with character and to see who keeps their nerve,” continued Montella.
“We are a far younger squad on average, so need to make up the gap when it comes to tactical nous and experience. Parma have some important players and can above all cause us problems with their pace.”
Marko Pjaca is the only injury absentee, although German Pezzella is in doubt after surgery on a fractured nose.