There was high-drama in Italy on Sunday as the Serie A season came to a close. In the end, AC Milan escaped with third-place and a berth in next season’s UEFA Champions League by the skin ofits teeth, as two goals in the last six minutes rescued a 2-1 win for the Rossoneri at already-relegated Siena. Fiorentina, which had been in third-place for most of the night thanks to itscomprehensive 5-1 drubbing of bottom-of-the-table Pescara, was absolutely livid after seeing TV replays of some of the decisions in the Milan game, particularly the questionable call that led toMilan’s first goal, a penalty converted by Mario Balotelli in the 84th-minute.
After the game, Fiorentina director Daniele Pradè wasscathing in his criticism of referee Mauro Bergonzi: “They were gifted a penalty,” he said. “It is an unfair result, but we ought to be happy. It won’t beeasy to repeat a season like this.” Commenting further on the penalty incident, Pradè suggested foul play: “We are impotent when faced with these situations, as there isnothing we can do. We went from euphoria to depression tonight, but I can also say that I expected this to happen. The epilogue had already been written.”
Violadefender Gonzalo Rodriguez seemed to agree, writing on his Twitter account: “If I say what I really think, then I won’t be allowed to play in Italy anymore.”
However, Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella cut a much calmer figure: “Do we feel bitter? No, we should be calm and proud, as we tried and believed right to theend,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “It was a duel that everyone enjoyed, so I compliment Milan and [coach]Massimiliano Allegri, who fought back brilliantly. We have no regrets.”