Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli was delighted after seeing his side make it through to the group stages of the Champions League, and he says that qualification was merited.
The Viola return to Europe’s premier club competition for the first time in nine years following a 2-0 aggregate win over Slavia Prague in the final preliminary round.
After a 2-0 win in the first leg in Florence, the Tuscans finished off the job tonight by comfortably drawing 0-0 in the Czech Republic.
"It was vital to get through, and we deserved the qualification,” said Prandelli.
“We were excellent in the first half where we could have scored, then after the break we suffered a little but the team showed character.
“We created a lot, but we also defended well. The defence is fine when the midfield is nearby, the distances were right but we must not defend too deep.
“It has been three years now that we have deserved the Champions League, and now we are there. Emotions are strong, and we have given our fans all this.
“Is this the strongest team I've ever trained? I hope we can say that at the end of season "
Fiorentina will now eagerly await the Champions League draw which takes place tomorrow at 17:00 CET.