Viola expect Calciopoli discount
Saturday 2 September, 2006
Fiorentina patron Andrea Della Valle warns he wants their 19-point Calciopoli penalty reduced to 10 in arbitration.
“We have never considered going to the TAR civil court tribunal,” insisted the businessman, but he pointed out that the meeting with the FIGC would not necessarily be the end of their legal battle.
“Now we’ll accept a verdict from the arbitration that’ll allow us to play a dignified season. With a 10-point penalty, we’d no longer be struggling to stay afloat.”
The Viola were originally demoted to Serie B as a result of the Calciopoli scandal, but restored to the top flight with a 19-point handicap on appeal and stripped of their Champions League place.
“This side will fight to the death to get over this obstacle.
I personally maintain I did nothing wrong, apart from falling into some traps. The saddest thing about my unjust three-year ban is that I can’t look my players in the eye just before they go out for the games.”
The President was at last night’s friendly match, a 2-2 draw with Serie B side Arezzo. Massimo Gobbi and Reginaldo were on target for the Viola, with Vigna and Bondi equalising after Alessandro Gamberini’s dismissal.
Under new rules in Italy, disciplinary action during friendly games will be considered 'official’, so Gamberini could well be suspended for the opening game of the Serie A season against Inter on September 9.
Luca Toni took part and is now firmly back in the fans’ good books after changing his mind about a proposed move to Inter.
“Toni is a great man, like all of his teammates,” concluded Della Valle. “He knew we needed him and stayed to help out.”
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I think they will get a reduction.
i used to like the Viola, but after that comment from Della Valle( the bag boy

)
i hope they get demoted.COME ON GRANTA!