Relieved Prandelli salutes Viola graft

ACF Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli hailed his under-par players for "giving their all" as they recovered from going behind to edge Sporting Clube de Portugal to a UEFA Champions League group-stage spot.

'Determined bunch' 
All-square at 2-2 after the first leg, the Viola had it all to do it Florence when João Moutinho gave the slick visitors a 1-0 lead with a free-kick at the Stadio Artemio Franchi ten minutes before half-time. It prompted Prandelli to bring on Stevan Jovetić, and within nine minutes of the restart the Montenegrin striker had rewarded his faith with the equaliser to put Fiorentina back in the box seat – a position they would not relinquish again. "Without a doubt we won because we were organised, because we had a clear idea of what we needed to do and that made up for any lack of technique," Prandelli said. "I'm convinced this is our real strength. We're a determined bunch and that makes up for our lack of experience.

'Difficult situation'
"The players gave their all, overcoming a really difficult situation," the coach continued, focusing his praise on one man. "Jovetić was in a determined mood, he's got the sort of qualities needed to be a fine player. A lot of the squad can improve, but I'm really pleased with the way they went about the game." The away-goals victory earned Fiorentina a place in today's group-stage draw in Monaco, though Prandelli would not be drawn on which clubs he might be keen to avoid."All the teams at this stage are big, important and dangerous clubs," he said, affording a wry smile. "I'm just happy for the players and the fans that we're in there with them."