Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Montella has praised Atalanta BC for "making life extremely difficult" for his side.

Goals from Rafal Wolski and Josip Ilicic in either half in the Serie A encounter ensured that the Viola picked up the points needed to send them into a Europa League spot.

"This was by no means a foregone conclusion and is a victory of the group whose qualities go beyond tactics and quality," the 39-year-old is quoted as saying by Football Italia following the game.

"Compliments to Atalanta, who made life extremely difficult for us tonight. We had more chances and didn't make the most of them, while at times we were too stretched out, so the performance doesn't entirely satisfy me."

Fiorentina are back in action on Tuesday night when they face Udinese in the Coppa Italia.