Rome, Oct 21 (IANS) Fiorentina head coach Vincenzo Montella marvelled at the unpredictability of soccer match after his side came back from two goals down to beat Juventus 4-2 in the Italian Serie A at home Sunday.
Juventus seemed to have secured the win after Carlos Tevez and Paul Pogba netted shortly before the interval. However, the game was turned on its head in a stunning burst after Rossi netted a 66th-minute penalty.
The Italy international then levelled on 76 minutes before a totally unmarked Joaquin fired the hosts ahead moments later. Rossi then completed his hat-trick, and a barely believable win, when he finished a counter-attack on 81 minutes, Xinhua reported.
Montella was impressed by the extraordinary comeback win.
“The first half was balanced, we did not manage a shot on the goal, it looked like a locked game. In the second half they did not give us space, then the team found the hope and energy to react,” he said.
“I have never seen Fiorentina in such difficulty in the first half, and Juve was good at making the most of their chances. We were never able to score, but fortunately soccer is a wonderful sport and all changes in a moment,” he said.
“It could be the most beautiful victory, a deserved win,” he added.
He conceded he had considered taking off Rossi who did perform well in the first half.
“Rossi didn’t have a great game in the first half, but in soccer quality makes the difference. I considered replacing him, but he’s a player who can change a game even when he’s not well,” he said. “He works for the team and is not egotistical. He scored extraordinary goals and gave us the strength to win this match.”
This is Fiorentina’s first home win over Juventus since 1998 when Gabriel Batistuta sealed a 1-0 win for the Viola.
Montella said that his side’s win over Juventus was extraordinary, but could not be as decisive.
“Pressure is part of football. If we had lost today, some would’ve said our season was over, whereas with a win suddenly we’re considered title contenders. We need to keep a balanced and objective view, then wait and see in the long run what the table tells us,” he said.