We are on a run in Serie A, we need to keep it going, psychologically a win against a team second in the league and close in on the leaders before the winter break (especially with Roma v Napoli) could be huge. Conversely dropped points could have the opposite effect.
We only needed a draw tonight, I would have been almost just as confident enough of getting that result resting Licht and a defender. Lets be honest winning the Champions League this season is not going to happen. Serie A is the priority in my eyes, especially as we have far more competition to get in the top 3. It's not like we were battling Sevilla to qualify, we are already through and top spot is a bonus. We made it to the final last year qualifying in second, it is not the most important thing but is obviously an advantage.
Its not as though I'm saying to start Vitale instead, these guys are still decent players.
You have commented in other threads that certain players look tired, given the run of games I would rather have tried to keep the team as fresh as possible for Fiorentina.
But I understand that for some the Champions League is everything.