Vincenzo Montella confirms Fiorentina were in talks with Radja Nainggolan over a summer move before he joined Cagliari, but is disappointed in Giovanni Simeone.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of the game against the Sardinians on Sunday, Montella revealed that a move had been possible.
"I've been following him for some time. There was the possibility [of a move] and he was tempted, but he decided to go with his heart and went back to Cagliarl."
Vincenzo Montella confirms Fiorentina were in talks with Radja Nainggolan over a summer move before he joined Cagliari, but is disappointed in Giovanni Simeone.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of the game against the Sardinians on Sunday, Montella revealed that a move had been possible.
"I've been following him for some time. There was the possibility [of a move] and he was tempted, but he decided to go with his heart and went back to Cagliarl."
Cagliari have been the surprise package of the season so far, and currently sit joint fifth in the table, and Montella believes they've been a revelation.
"They've been a bit of a revelation in the league. Their midfield is their strongest point and they don't have to be envious of the other sides in Serie A. It will be a good game because they're in a healthy state and their pitch is a little smaller than others, and this will help them. It will be a huge test for us."
Montella allowed Giovanni Simeone to join Cagliari last summer, after the striker had a difficult 2018-19 season in Florence.
"Giovanni is an important player, but he was also an important player in Florence. He suffered last season, but to be honest I expected him to put more effort into changing the situation rather than just leaving the city behind. However he wanted to move, and we advised him to go to Cagliari. I am happy for him."
Midfielder Gaetano Castrovili has earned his first call-up to the Azzurri squad for the Euro 2020 qualifying games against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Armenia after a string of impressive performances for La Viola, and Montella was delighted for him.
"We are proud. We took risks because he had never played in Serie A, but he is a humble guy who makes great sacrifices."