Prandelli: 'Viola took a risk with Juve'

Cesare Prandelli was the last Fiorentina coach to win away to Juventus over 12 years ago and did it again tonight. ‘It was the right game to take a risk.’

This result ended a run of eight rounds without victory, but was also the first Fiorentina win away to Juventus in Serie A since a 3-2 thriller in March 2008. Funnily enough, the coach that day was also Prandelli.

Juan Cuadrado’s red card inevitably helped, but Dusan Vlahovic had already given the visitors the lead, then an Alex Sandro own goal and Martin Caceres tap-in consolidated the triumph.

“If you are timorous, you will concede sooner or later, so we decided this was the right game to take a risk,” Prandelli told Sky Sport Italia.

“We dedicate this win to our fans, as they are by our side, they suffer with us and I hope this can give some sense to all the work we’ve been doing. Hard work pays off in the end and we’re still not there yet, as admittedly we got a bit of luck with the early red card.

“However, the players showed not just the character we had been looking for, but also the brazenness I asked for.

“We haven’t had much time to work in training, mostly with video footage, but I think once we get to work more consistently, we will improve.

“I hope our problem can be resolved. When we talk about courage and brazenness, this is all once you are in the penalty area, because otherwise it doesn’t get you anywhere.”

President Rocco Commisso made the phone call from America straight after the final whistle.

“I have heard from him and I’m happy for him. He’s a good man, the first thing he asks you about is your family, your kids, so I hope Fiorentina can become a big family.”

Prandelli is rewarded for keeping the faith with Dusan Vlahovic, who has scored in the last three games.

“I will continue believing in him. He has determination, works hard in training and I think he’s a great player. He’s 20 years old, so if he can learn the timing of his movements, then he can really become excellent.

“He has this great enthusiasm and determination, but needs to learn the things a coach is there to teach, such as positioning and movement. The foundations are there.”

Borja Valero seemed irritated when he was substituted, but the decision came moments after he risked a second yellow card.

“We had three players on yellow cards, so one of them had to come off. I didn’t want to be left with 10 men. Borja is a maestro and nobody knows the timing of passes more than him.”

Prandelli hugged Andrea Pirlo on the touchline, but inflicted the first Serie A defeat of the young tactician’s career.

“I congratulated Pirlo, because in a short space of time he has given a clear identity to this Juve team, playing an attacking form of football. We already knew he was a leader, and he will certainly be challenging in every tournament this season.”