Vincenzo Montella was again left to rue a strong Fiorentina start, missed opportunities and a comeback as they lost the Coppa Italia semi-final to Atalanta.
Just like last week’s Serie A 2-1 defeat to Juventus, the Viola had opened the scoring in the first few minutes.
“We are here again, with many regrets, as this team plays with heart and soul, but doesn’t convert its chances,” the Coach told Rai Sport.
“It’s a pity, because we lost on an avoidable penalty and a goal that we gifted. We were there, we had the opportunities to go 2-0 up and then 2-1 up.”
As the first leg had ended 3-3 in Florence, the Viola needed to win in order to avoid going out on away goals, but eventually lost 5-4 on aggregate anyway.
“The team believed, even if it lost a little confidence after their equaliser. We needed the perfect game and a bit of luck, but we only came close.
“It was always going to be difficult, but we should’ve been a little more decisive in the final ball and the finishing too. We must absorb the disappointment of this setback, because we came so close and didn’t make it.
“Now we need to prepare for the Sassuolo game and I’ll see who is up for the challenge. We created so many chances over the last three games and lack that ruthlessness in the finishing.”
Josip Ilicic is remarkably consistent for Atalanta, especially compared to his performances at Fiorentina. Does Montella know what changed for the Slovenian?
“There are many reasons behind a sale, sometimes the player doesn’t feel enthusiasm in the environment, at others there are financial considerations. Ilicic left after I had already gone, so I don’t know what happened.”