[dukeofdavinci]

Prandelli aims to amaze Sunday 26 August, 2007

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Cesare Prandelli says his Fiorentina’s aim is “to amaze,” starting from today’s heated Tuscan derby with Empoli.

“If we use the spirit of last year then in a few months, with the sense of security and experience, we can pull surprises on any field of play,” noted the Coach who took his side to a UEFA Cup place despite a 15-point Calciopoli penalty.


“We have to be a team capable of amazing people. Empoli have not changed much from last term, so they will be a dangerous adversary.”


The Viola are without summer signing Franco Semioli, but Christian Vieri is in the squad.


“Our strength is the fact we can adapt to different tactical systems. If the team has four wide men, then we can play in a certain way, if not we can go back to last year’s formation. I can say that Mario Alberto Santana will start.”


Before the Calciopoli scandal struck over the summer of 2006, Fiorentina had qualified for the Champions League, so will they be aiming for the same target now those penalties have expired?


“I am disappointed there was some scepticism from the outside in pre-season. Last year the defence was criticised by everyone, then proved to be the most solid in Serie A.”


The sale of Luca Toni to Bayern Munich – where has scored three goals in as many Bundesliga games – was considered a major gamble by the Tuscan club.


“We have invested in youth. It is a courageous decision I expect will pay off in time. I also believe the critics will come to the same conclusion in the long run. For a club that has two great campaigns to then turn to younger players is not so much rare as unique in today’s football.”


Fiorentina will have an extra reason to celebrate today, as it is the 81st anniversary of the club’s foundation.


The side was created in a fusion of Libertas and Club Sportivo Firenze on August 26, 1926 and the famous purple strip was adopted three years later.



Fiorentina squad: Avramov, Dainelli, Donadel, Frey, Gamberini, Gobbi, Kroldrup, Kuzmanovic, Liverani, Lupatelli, Lupoli, Mazuch, Montolivo, Mutu, Osvaldo, Pasqual, Pazienza, Pazzini, Potenza, Santana, Vanden Borre, Vieri.

prandelli on a mission.