Fiorentina deserved a penalty-Leonardo

(GSM) – On Wednesday night, Milan moved to within four points of Serie A leaders Internazionale by beating Fiorentina (1-2).

After the game, Leonardo admitted ‘Fiorentina deserved a penalty,’ but the Milan boss said the referee let play continue because they still had the ball.

Milan’s victory in Florence was decided by two late goals from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Alexandre Pato.

When it was still 1-1, Riccardo Montolivo appeared to be tripped by Thiago Silva and play continued for Keirrison to bring a desperate save out of Christian Abbiati.

“In all honesty, I have heard the opinions of many people involved and must admit Fiorentina deserved a penalty,” confessed Leonardo.

“However, the referee clearly played the advantage. The foul on Montolivo was there, but Roberto Rosetti let play continue because Keirrison had the ball.”

Regardless of that incident, Fiorentina generally dominated the match and had a deserved lead for most of it through former Milan striker Alberto Gilardino.

“We struggled a great deal in the first half with a Fiorentina side that started well. The Viola were piling on the pressure and our midfielders had no space.

“After the break with character and hunger we managed to bring home the result. Aside from tactics, it was spirit that got us this victory.

“Abbiati, Ronaldinho and Pato were decisive, but Mathieu Flamini also played a great game.”

Fiorentina have called a Press silence in protest at the recent refereeing decisions against the club.

“Fiorentina announce that due to the refereeing performance today, the club is holding a Press silence,” read a statement.

Yesterday’s incident came a week after some shocking mistakes by Norwegian official Tom Henning Ovrebo in the 2-1 Champions League defeat at Bayern Munchen.