Cesare's confidence in Fiorentina
Cesare Prandelli returns to take on Juventus this afternoon and trusts Fiorentina to get a result despite missing Adrian Mutu.
“The team is in good shape and I expect it to be a difficult game, but we are aware that we can put in a great performance,” assured the tactician.
“We are going to need the utmost concentration and ride our current enthusiasm. Fiorentina and Juventus are two teams who can count on a solid squad regardless of a few missing players.”
Mutu is the major absentee for the Viola, while the Bianconeri are without the suspended Pavel Nedved and Giorgio Chiellini.
Ex-Juve hitman Christian Vieri is also left behind along with the injured Franco Semioli and Fabio Liverani, so Giampaolo Pazzini leads a trident attack.
Ndiaye Papa Waigo filled in admirably for Mutu midweek, scoring his debut Serie A goal in a victory that took them back into fourth place.
“He has made a positive impression on the squad and on the pitch. He is a very generous lad.”
It is a special match for Prandelli, who represented Juventus as a player for many years.
It is because of this that the usual bitter rivalry between the teams will be toned down this afternoon, as many Bianconeri fan groups have come together to organise a salute to the Fiorentina boss.
Prandelli too is eager to keep the relations between them as warm as possible.
“Claudio Ranieri is a great Coach and a wonderful person with so much experience. He is so good at man-management also thanks to his time overseas.”
Juventus-Fiorentina will be live on Five from 13.45.
channel 4