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Mutu misses Livorno visit Friday 28 September, 2007

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Fiorentina will take on local rivals Livorno without the help of top scorer Adrian Mutu, reveals Cesare Prandelli.

The Romanian has been their star player since Luca Toni’s move to Bayern Munich, netting four goals in five Serie A games.


However, the Coach is going to rest him ahead of next week’s UEFA Cup second leg encounter with Groningen.


“Dario Dainelli is injured and Marco Donadel suspended, while Mutu has tired muscles and a slight ankle problem,” explained Prandelli.


“Adrian is coming off a series of incredible performances and next week we have two very important tests. Giving up Mutu means missing a player who brings a great deal of creativity, but we can find some consistency anyway.”


Instead the trident attack is expected to be Franco Semioli, summer signing Pablo Daniel Osvaldo and Under-21 international Giampaolo Pazzini.


“Pazzini is the first choice. After the Roma game I complimented him for how he fared against a tough cookie like Philippe Mexes. I also said he has to aim for the goal more, because he can be very important inside the area.


“We must be prepared for tomorrow’s game. We will find a Livorno side that is difficult to face and has every intention of winning. I am convinced it’ll be an open match and we will do everything we can to get all three points, especially as we have not won there in a while.”


The Viola have not conquered the Stadio Picchi since a 3-0 Coppa Italia result in 1971-72 and in their following four visits have not scored a single goal.


Their confidence was boosted by the midweek 2-2 draw with leaders Roma on Wednesday evening.


“That was a great battle between two teams who challenged each other openly, like two boxers in the ring,” smiled Prandelli.


“Nobody thought about pulling back. It is always better to try to score a goal rather than attempting to avoid conceding one.”

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