Fiorentina general manager Sandro Mencucci has declared themselves Serie A's third best team.

The Viola were beaten to third place by AC Milan.

"It was an exceptional season, regardless of yesterday's results," declared Mencucci on the official club website.

"We finished fourth in the Serie A table, but third on the field. We picked up 70 points, so it's unthinkable to miss out on the Champions League with these results.

"We brought great enthusiasm back to Florence and must begin again from this. At a certain stage, we all thought we could reach third place, as Milan seemed to be struggling in Siena."