Fiorentina vs Parma preview - Montella: Players deserve respect
Posted Sunday, May 17, 2015 by PA
Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella has told the fans ahead of Monday's Serie A home clash with Parma that they are not giving his players the respect they deserve after a strong season in all competitions.
The Viola were booed by their supporters after a 2-0 defeat home to Sevilla on Thursday, a result that ended their hopes of reaching the Europa League final for the second time in their history.
Fiorentina had lost 3-0 against the cup holders in last week's opening leg in Spain.
"It's true that those that pay have the right to express their opinions," Montella said to the Italian press. "But considering what the team has done and how it has played this season, we didn't deserve to be booed.
"My players and I leave the competition with our heads held high.
"We gave everything we had.
"Considering the resources we had, we have done more than we should have.
"My players have always given their all.
"In both legs we weren't fortunate with the goalscoring opportunities we had.
"After Sevilla scored their second (on Thursday), my team never gave up and showed great pride.
"It deserved more respect."
Fiorentina, who also reached the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia before being eliminated by Juventus, will go after a their third straight Serie A win against Parma.
The Viola are fifth and on course to qualify again for the Europa League.
Parma, who were condemned to relegation earlier this month, have not won since April 26 and are at the foot of the standings.
The Ducale club held Napoli to a 2-2 draw last time out and are keen to end what has been a very difficult campaign on a high note.
Parma were declared bankrupt in April and their players have not been paid since last summer.
"It was very difficult not to be affected by what was happening off the pitch," Parma coach Roberto Donadoni said. "After all, we are human.
"I'm nevertheless proud of this group and I know they will give their all in our final three games."
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