Monday 3 December 2007

Gracious Viola win plaudits

Fiorentina have been commended for their sportsmanship after they applauded their Inter counterparts off the pitch at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

The Viola’s modest title aspirations were dealt a hammer blow by a 2-0 reverse against the Nerazzurri on an emotional day that saw Cesare Prandelli return to the bench after losing his wife to cancer.

Despite the disappointment of defeat, the Gigliati created a rugby-style tunnel and applauded each of their vanquishers off the pitch.


"It was lovely to see the Fiorentina players waiting for the Inter players to shake hands with them after the game," Inter chief Massimo Moratti’s sister Bedy stated. "But I don’t think that a similar thing will be possible when we play them in Milan.

"It would just take a penalty or some other debatable decision at San Siro to make that kind of display difficult, but it would be great to see it in every stadium."

Fiorentina have emerged as Serie A’s ambassadors for sportsmanship in recent times.

Boss Prandelli has always refused to criticise refereeing decisions and the fans at the Stadio Artemio Franchi have won praise for their attitude.

The Ultras have been widely commended for the banner they unveiled in a moving show of support of their grieving tactician. "Time will lessen the pain, but if you need her, look to the sky... Your star will guide you forever and take you far," the message read.

Source: C4 Football Italia

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