Fiorentina coach Stefano Pioli was relieved as they overcame Sampdoria 3-2 in the Coppa Italia.

The Viola were ahead twice and pegged back, but eventually won 3-2 thanks to a last-minute Jordan Veretout penalty.

They will face either Lazio or Cittadella in the Quarter-Final on December 26.

“It was a strange game and we thought too much about controlling it when there were spaces to cause problems for the opposition," the Coach told Rai Sport.

“I thank Khouma Babacar, because he played despite feeling unwell before kick-off. It was a good performance from him, but he mustn't rest on his laurels, as he has the ability to always play like this.

“Veretout has to improve in his reading of the game, as he's fantastic in one-against-one duels, but can do better in his movements. It's usually very difficult for foreign players to adapt to Italy, but Veretout is the exception to the rule. I worked with Radja Nainggolan and I think Veretout can get close to him.

“We made a lot of changes over the summer because the club thought an era had come to an end and we had to build the foundations for the future."