Robbie Neilson admits Hearts ’ mentality wasn’t right in the first half of of their 5-1 defeat to Fiorentina.
The Jambos were close to giving their 4,000 strong travelling support the dream start in Florence. Stephen Humphreys hit the inside of the post after 30 seconds following good early pressing, and the hope was that the hosts looked to be there for the taking against Robbie Neilson ’s men.
La Viola dispelled that delusion soon after. Luka Jovic headed them into an early lead and they had the points wrapped up by half-time. A debatable free-kick was awarded against Barrie McKay, but there was no doubt over the quality of Cristiano Biraghi’s ability as he whipped the ball into the top corner beyond Craig Gordon. Nicolas Gonzalez added a third and Antonin Barak rubbed salt in the wounds with a fourth before the break. Humphrys was rewarded for his display with a goal soon after the break. But Gonzalez added his second and Fiorentina’s fifth towards the game despite a much improved second half showing from Hearts.
