Rome, Dec 18 (IANS): Atalanta head coach Stefano Colantuono accused the referee of a contentitious handball decision in his team's 2-2 tie againt Fiorentina in the Italian Serie A football.

Atlanta came back from a one goal deficit to lead 2-1 with Fiorentina equalising through Stevan Jovetic, though there were suspicions about the manner in which Lorenzo De Silvestri handled the cross.

"That wasn't football. It was volleyball," Colantuono was quoted as saying by Xinhua. "At this point we no longer have to be diplomatic and search for justification. How could the referee not see such a clear incident?

"The handball sets up Jovetic and we have conceded another late goal to drop important points.

"We are happy with the performance and the compliments for our football, but for us three points are decisive. We had prepared so well for this match.

"In the first half we also deserved a penalty, as Thomas Manfredini was pushed at the moment he went to head the ball.

"I can allow the referee that mistake, as there is a lot of confusion in the penalty area and the situation can escape his view, but the incident for the equaliser was a clear incident," he said.