Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella has blamed fatigue on his side’s poor performance against Inter on Saturday evening.
The Viola lost 2-1 with goals from Rodrigo Palacio and Mauro Icardi, sandwiching a Juan Cuadrado effort.
“I think Inter deserved to be in front in the first half, as they were quicker, more reactive and had the initiative,” the tactician told Sky Sport Italia.
“However, in the second half we played the better football and had been able to equalise, but unfortunately Inter got that goal.
“You can also add in the bad luck we had, as Mauro Icardi’s goal was offside. We were lacking in energy after the Coppa Italia game and ahead of the Europa League fixture.
“As Inter will acknowledge, playing in these tournaments takes something away from you in Serie A.
“It’s a shame to lose on home turf. We wanted to push forward, as that’s what we are accustomed to, but I think we just lacked the physical and psychological energy.
“Instead we ended up waiting for Inter, who were clearly superior in the first half.
“After the break it was more open and I saw Fiorentina play on the same level as Inter did in the first half.”
Montella also felt the performance of the assistant referee should be questioned after it looked as if Icardi’s goal was offside.
“Coaches are not referees or linesman,” he said.
“It did seem something that was not exactly difficult to judge. It’s a mistake, not a complicated one to evaluate, but it can happen. We accept the error, just as we accepted worse than this.
“It’s a pity, as when these incidents happen they do affect the results and consequently the whole campaign.”
