Vincenzo Montella has insisted that it was Fiorentina’s mental strength which brought them Europa League victory against Guingamp, after the Viola had been reduced to 10 men just before the half time interval.
Fiorentina won the game 2–1, having scored both their goals in the opening 15 minutes, but the hosts really put the 10 men of the Italian side under pressure in a second half which was dominated by the French team.
“I saw a team that played almost perfect at the beginning,” reflected Montella. “The team responded great at the start. Then we thought it was all too easy and our performance fell.
“I did not like the second half on a tactical level but I liked our mentality and our desire to win. A strong mindset is important. And to prove our mentality abroad is even more beautiful.”
The victory means Fiorentina top Group K.
