Cremonese coach Davide Ballardini admits they paid for their poor start after defeat to Fiorentina in the first-leg of their Coppa Italia semifinal on Wednesday night.

Goals from Arthur Cabral and Nico Gonzalez saw Fiorentina win a ninth consecutive game across all competitions.

Ballardini later said, “Fiorentina are a highly-competitive team and I am surprised they are not higher in the Serie A table, they have quality.

“We didn't start well in the first half, but Cremonese had two chances to equalise going forward. We wanted to take control of midfield in the first half, but we were sloppy and we often arrived late on the ball. We changed something in the second half.

“I see a committed group of players, with good quality. I have trust in what I see every day."

Meanwhile, while they sit bottom of the Serie A table, Ballardini added: “We can only train well and respect those who love and support us. Bloody hell, we are working so hard that we must get some satisfaction!"