Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano was left frustrated after their 1-0 defeat to Sassuolo.

Andrea Pinamonti struck Sassuolo's winner, with Jack Bonaventura seeing his penalty for Fiorentina saved.

Italiano later said: “After that first half, clearly we had to do something. I thought of doing it straight away, but after their goal was disallowed, it was crucial to attack their defence and put some danger in their area. We were so slow and predictable. We raised the tempo, became more dangerous and I think we at least deserved a point.

“It would've been valuable for our position, it's a pity, but the first half was completely wrong.

“There is the sensation we have enormous margin for improvement, as we are scoring very few goals considering all the chances that we create. Therefore, with all those situations to be improved, there is a lot we can achieve in the second half of the season.

“Unfortunately, we are a little short on options, so I figured we had to invent something with Fabiano Parisi in a more advanced position, which Cristiano Biraghi can do as well, and it did create chances in that second half.

“We had the chances to equalise with the penalty, but a slip-up can happen and we need to put it behind us to focus on the Coppa Italia quarter-final."