Vincenzo Montella admits Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”3″>Fiorentina “are in crisis in terms of results” after three consecutive defeats, as they welcome high-flying Napoli.
Vincenzo Montella admits Fiorentina “are in crisis in terms of results” after three consecutive defeats, as they welcome high-flying Napoli.
The Viola have lost all three of their official games in 2013 between Serie A and the Coppa Italia, so the pressure is on for the Sunday lunch-time kick-off. Click here for a match preview.
“At this moment Fiorentina, despite the difficulties, have played good football and are growing. Otherwise we wouldn’t have reacted so strongly to the recent results. Therefore, I am not worried,” declared Montella in his Press conference.
“Are we in crisis? In terms of results, certainly, and we cannot be happy with those, but in terms of performance I am satisfied. We were unlucky against Roma, as we hit the woodwork three times.”
Napoli arrive at the Stadio Franchi with a huge boost, as their appeal against a two-point penalty was accepted, quashing six-month bans for Paolo Cannavaro and Gianluca Grava.
“If the Court gave back the points, then it means that was the right decision. Napoli are a great team and above all are on a long-term project that has grown over time. They are organised in defence and devastating on the counter-attack.
“Considering our characteristics, they could well have an advantage against us. Apart from the obvious Edinson Cavani, I’d say their most dangerous players are Marek Hamsik, Lorenzo Insigne and Gokhan Inler. Having Cavani is like having an extra player.”
This could well be a head-to-head for the third Champions League spot.
“The result is decisive, but not for third place,” insisted Montella. “We want to win because we miss the victory and did not deserve our recent results.”
David Pizarro is back in training, but it will still be “very difficult” for him to start tomorrow’s match, while new signing Marcelo Larrondo has just arrived.
“To make the step up in quality and improve our position in the table, we need someone else in attack. If that won’t be possible, then we will remain as we are.”
Montella has courted controversy by dropping goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano for Neto in recent outings, including the Coppa Italia midweek.
“It is a football situation. Both goalkeepers need playing time. For now I have made a decision, but it is not a definitive one. I have no problems with Viviano and we talk, but I am paid to make choices. He is one of Fiorentina’s goalkeepers.”