Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli admits Alberto Gilardino's opening goal in their 3-1 defeat of Palermo should have been ruled out for handball.

"At the start Alberto said it hit his arm, but it was not voluntary, as he was falling because he received a knee in the back and collided with the ball," explained Prandelli.

"If it wasn't a penalty, then the goal should have been disallowed. He celebrated as an instinctive gesture, but 10 seconds later was already apologising."

He did not tell the referee of the handling offence, though, and the Viola went on to win 3-1 in Sicily with Adrian Mutu's brace.

"Mutu had already played well in Munich and has shown he is back to his usual standards. He had a good start this season, then picked up an injury and wanted to keep going to help the side, but now he has fully recovered."

Rosanero boss Davide Ballardini said: "A goal like that can escape the attention of the officials, but Gilardino is a sensitive person and I could see he felt awkward after scoring.

"Fiorentina broke the deadlock in curious fashion, we made a few mistakes in clearing the ball and they took advantage."