Prandelli expects Florence spectacle
Cesare Prandelli is confident the Fiorentina-Juventus showdown will be “spectacular” for the fans.
These two clubs have always had a strong rivalry and are currently battling for second place behind leaders Inter.
“I think that we will see the best Fiorentina on the field and a very gritty match. Already yesterday I saw my players’ faces while they were enjoying their football.”
Pablo Daniel Osvaldo is out after he had to pull out of an Under-21 international call-up due to injury, while Dario Dainelli has recovered to start in defence.
Mario Alberto Santana is sidelined again by a new muscular problem, sustained while he was taking a penalty in Thursday’s epic UEFA Cup tie with Groningen.
“Juventus have a real battling spirit and will have to be very careful against us,” continued Prandelli.
“We have to work very hard to reach their level, but I am convince we can go out there and prove we are up to the task.
“The Bianconeri are a side who never give up and pay attention to the particulars. I await a good tactical performance to limit their best players.”
The fact this is a bitter grudge match means it was classed Level 4 – the highest risk for crowd trouble – and so the authorities ordered a ban on Juventus fans travelling for the tie. The entire Stadio Franchi will be decked out in purple.
“I know we will have great help from the fans and it will be a spectacular game for them. The players are not thinking about their position in the table while they play. We only want to find consistency of results.
“For the fans and the team this is an important match, keenly felt and no doubt spectacular. A tie like this gives great motivation and that can help us recover from the strains of the UEFA Cup. The important thing is that nobody lets the tension get to them, as we must always be rational and sharp.”
Juventus Coach Claudio Ranieri said it would be an insult not to include Fiorentina in the Scudetto race.
“We are not accustomed to trying to work out if we are better than this or that team. Perhaps this match will also be important to really understand where we belong.”
Fiorentina squad: Balzaretti, Dainelli, Donadel, Frey, Gamberini, Gobbi, Kuzmanovic, Liverani, Lupatelli, Lupoli, Montoilvo, Mutu, Pasqual, Pazienza, Pazzini, Potenza, Semioli, Ujfalusi, Vanden Borre, Vieri.
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