Rome, Feb 25 (IANS) Parma and Fiorentina played to an action-packed 2-2 draw which witnessed three red cards.
Parma, who were trying to extend their record 12-game unbeaten run, went ahead in the 39th minute through Antonio Cassano but Juan Cuadrado equalised for the visitors two minutes later Monday. Amauri put Parma in front again (51st minute), two minutes before Viola defender Modibo Diakite was sent off, reports Xinhua.
Mati Fernandez levelled for the visitors five minutes from time with a thrilling free-kick which stirred up a tense finale where Gianni Munari and Borja Valero were dismissed.
Fiorentina head coach Vincenzo Montella criticised his players for losing their heads.
“We could’ve finished the first half better and it’s a real shame to have lost two players. We must learn to control ourselves and be more clear-headed when dealing with certain situations. Even with 10-men and in a tough arena, the team had a great reaction to equalise,” he said.
His Parma counterpart Roberto Donadoni gave Fiorentina credit for fighting back with 10-men.
“It’s a shame about the draw as it was legitimate to expect the victory but we must give credit to our opponents and to Mati Fernandez for that goal. My team did well despite a start with too many mistakes. We are doing something very important this season. Antonio Mirante saved us many times but he couldn’t do anything against an extraordinary free-kick,” he said.
