Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella has expressed his pleasure with the performance of Egypt's attacker Mohamed Salah during the 1-1 first leg draw with Tottenham Hotspurs in the Europa League round of 32 on Thursday.

The 22-year-old Salah, who joined Serie A side Fiorentina on loan from English Premier League giants Chelsea during the winter transfer window, and will stay until the end on the current season, played the whole 90 minutes of the game, putting in a fine performance at White Hart Lane this time around.

He started the game as a second striker behind Mario Gomez for the first time, a partnership the coach praised.

"Mohamed Salah and Mario Gomez were always in the game, both physically and psychologically. It was their first time playing together and they did well,"Montella told the post-game press conference.

"I have to compliment my lads, as they were able to keep their heads after a difficult start. We had fun and are satisfied with the result," the tactician added.

Salah scored his first goal with Fiorentina and created the second during the 3-1 win over Sassuolo in the 23rd matchday of the Italy Serie A last week.

Fiorentina, who are currently fourth of the Serie A table, will host Tottenham in the return leg at the Stadio Artemio Franchi next week on Thursday.

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