Montella urges Fiorentina caution against Bologna

Fiorentina must build on Inter win, says Montella

23-Feb-2013 11:25:00 PM

The Viola coach is hoping his side replicate their performance during the victory over the Nerazzurri by triumphing at Bologna and keeping up their top-three hopes

Vincenzo Montella has challenged his Fiorentina players to record back-to-back Serie A victories for the first time since the turn of the year when they face Bologna on Sunday.

Despite an impressive start to the season, the Viola have been dogged by inconsistency in 2013, but revived their ambitions of a top-three finish with a comprehensive 4-1 triumph over Inter last week.

"We must be able to absorb the victory over Inter, and we worked on that during the week. It wasn't easy, because in the city you can breathe the sense of pride," he told reporters.

"We are facing a side who do not deserve to be in the relegation battle, so we cannot be caught unprepared.

"I cannot understand why Bologna are so far down the table, as they have an experienced coach and strikers of real quality. It’s going to be a dangerous game for us.

"We intend to carry on with the same attitude whether home or away, though it hasn't always happened. We are ambitious and always want to win.

"It’s wide open and the difference could be one point between those who go to Europe and the team left at home."

Montella went on to say that Mohamed Sissoko, who arrived at the club in January from Paris Saint-Germain, could be the man to help fill the void left by the injured David Pizarro.

“He is not at 100 per cent but has improved a great deal recently and has certain characteristics that can benefit any team,” he added.

“If we lose, then we must not hide behind Pizarro’s absence. It is difficult to replace him, even if we have players like Giulio Migliaccio and Sissoko.”