Vincenzo Montella took questions from the media in the Stadio Franchi press room this afternoon ahead of his team’s match against Bologna.

“Objectively speaking the players are responding very well to what I ask of them. It’s also true that in the Europa League we’ve met teams that aren’t on the same level as us. We have to get back to domestic duties now and we want to do well against Bologna tomorrow. After a rocky start, they’re playing very well now. Diamanti is in a different class.”

Asked to comment on the coming transfer window, the coach replied: “Presidents put up the money, sporting directors use their creativity. All I do is get on with my job.”

Montella has recently come in for praise from Guardiola. “It’s nice to hear things like that from an experienced coach. I knew him back in our playing days. I respect his work and also him as person and it’s a mutual feeling.”

On Vargas: “He’s still improving. As for including him in the UEFA squad, that’s something we can talk about when the time comes to prepare the list.”