Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli has defended midfielder Felipe Melo.

Melo was banned for five games after clashing with Cagliari's Diego Lopez last week.

"Melo has never had problems like this before and he was the victim of an ambush," said Prandelli.

"Felipe is more upset than anybody about this, we hope it was just a one-off incident. Every player should go straight into the locker room after a game."