Vincenzo Montella blames cup distractions

Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella has insisted that his side's involvement in the cup competitions is to blame for the 2-1 defeat to Inter Milan in Serie A on Saturday.

The Florence side qualified for the Coppa Italia final on Tuesday and travel to Denmark to face Esbjerg in the Europa League round-of-32 on Thursday.

"I think Inter deserved to be in front in the first half, as they were quicker, more reactive and had the initiative," Montella told Sky Sport Italia.

"However, in the second half we played the better football and had been able to equalise, but unfortunately Inter got that goal. You can also add in the bad luck we had, as Mauro Icardi's goal was offside.

"We were lacking in energy after the Coppa Italia game and ahead of the Europa League fixture. As Inter will acknowledge, playing in these tournaments takes something away from you in Serie A."

Fiorentina sit in fourth place in the Serie A table.