Pellegrini elated to deliver long-awaited goal at key moment

WIth 15 minutes remaining at the Artemio Franchi and the scoreline at 2-1, Pellegrini's pinpoint strike settled the nerves and ended up steering the Giallorossi to another important win.

Pellegrini also celebrated a goal in last week's win over SPAL - but Serie A subsequently ruled the deflected strike to be an own goal.

"I’m pleased, I’ve been after this goal for a while,” Pellegrini said after the game.

“I’m even more pleased with the win, it was vital.”

The goal came at a crucial time…

“Fiorentina are a good side; they press high, they use the ball well. We were strong and dominated the action, we controlled the rhythm of the match. We did well too to hit the back of the net like we did. It’s not easy to win here.”

Is this a win of a top side?

“Yes, it’s very important – the last game before the winter break and sometimes it’s not easy to remain focused. A top side finds the way to win these games.”

Is the squad ready to focus on achieving something big?

“There was no danger of us underestimating this game. I’m pleased and proud of my teammates. We have a real desire to improve, to work hard for each other. That will make us a side that can do special things. I don’t want to make predictions but what is for sure is this team will give everything it has until the last moment.”

The team gives the impression of being better equipped to deal with difficulty now…

“It’s really important to be able to read the game from out on the pitch. A top side reacts and responds and rises to difficult moments. We always try to do what we are asked; take the ball, keep it on the ground, move around and enjoy ourselves. Today we did that well and we hope to keep doing that going forward.

"Playing like this we are a good team, we can go into the New Year without regrets.”