Vincenzo Montella explained how he developed his Fiorentina tactics and will continue to evolve, but assured there is no “sense of revenge” against Milan.
The Viola ran riot at San Siro with a 3-1 victory, though it could’ve been more had Gianluigi Donnarumma not saved Federico Chiesa’s penalty.
Vincenzo Montella explained how he developed his Fiorentina tactics and will continue to evolve, but assured there is no “sense of revenge” against Milan.
The Viola ran riot at San Siro with a 3-1 victory, though it could’ve been more had Gianluigi Donnarumma not saved Federico Chiesa’s penalty.
“It wasn’t perfect, because at 3-0 up we should’ve been more concentrated, but it was a lovely night in front of 50,000 at San Siro, so we’re happy,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“It is satisfying to have won in this stadium. Someone asked if it was my best victory since returning to Fiorentina – it’s one of my only victories!
“I have absolutely no feeling of revenge towards Milan, as we won the Super Cup together, we got along well, we got back into Europe despite not buying any players, so I am grateful to Milan for allowing me to have the role.”
Franck Ribery was given a standing ovation by both sets of fans after his goal and when substituted in the final minutes.
“I took Ribery off because I expected they’d give him a standing ovation. He is always in the game, always decisive, and has capabilities well beyond the norm, even if he doesn’t have the change of pace he had five or six years ago.”
Montella adjusted his initial 4-3-3 to 3-5-2 and Fiorentina have been far more confident in their performances ever since, but it might not stay that way.
“We’ve got quite a few strikers and the evolution will move towards a trident attack once Pedro gets back into shape. We have found a certain balance with this 3-5-2, which is why I stayed with the same XI again and that is quite rare in my career. It’s worth riding this wave for now.
“I can’t ask Ribery to run up and down the whole flank for 90 minutes, Chiesa can shoot with both feet, so we can also add an extra centre-back to ensure more passing from the back. That’s why this system was developed.”
The San Siro crowd spent more time jeering their own team than cheering, but did take time to give Ribery a show of respect.
“I was a Milan fan, so I know that San Siro has seen so many legends over the years, this is a crowd that gives you nothing for free and when they give a standing ovation, they mean it.
“It’s tough everywhere when your own fans are jeering, it’s not easy for anyone. It’s disappointing for the Milan fans, for the many players here who I worked with. These are transitory moments and everyone goes through it at some point.”