Fiorentina Coach Cesare Prandelli believes his side’s 0-0 draw against Rangers in the UEFA Cup semi-final first leg wasn’t the best of outcomes.
The Viola travelled to Glasgow where Rangers parked the bus and staunchly defended their goal.
“It is a dangerous result because it means we are forced to win the second leg,” Prandelli admitted. “We will need our fans behind us.”
Much of the pre-match talk had been about the poor state of the pitch at Ibrox and Prandelli was quick to acknowledge that it played a frustrating part in the tie.
“We had the majority of the ball and we played with a good tempo in the final third of the field, even if it wasn’t easy given the condition of the surface.”
The former Parma and Roma tactician had words of respect for Rangers, who kept Adrian Mutu and Giampaolo Pazzini at bay on a number of occasions.
“Rangers are a mangy team, physical and well organised. We played our game and the only thing left to say is that we didn’t score.”
Gigliati central midfielder Fabio Liverani also lamented Fiorentina’s inability to find the back of the net.
“We lacked a little ruthlessness in the final stages,” Liverani complained. “We played quite well and then they changed formation.
“They played with one forward and the other 10 behind the ball, looking to close any space.”
The Scots will make the trip to Florence next week needing a win or a score draw to progress to the Final which will be held in Manchester on May 14.