[D-Kin]

Prandelli expects Franchi fireworks Sunday 3 February, 2008

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Cesare Prandelli predicts a spectacular fourth place play-off between Fiorentina and Milan this evening.

“This is an important match and we will try to cause a lot of problems for a great side,” said the Viola boss.

“We are coming into this tie in a good period of form. It will be an open game, but we have to reflect on how to approach it. We’ve got to stay compact, be ready to burst forward with pace and not allow our opponents too much space.”

Fiorentina have been on splendid Serie A form, but were eliminated from the Coppa Italia midweek by Lazio.

“We have already analysed that game and I saw a lack of confidence in my players’ faces. This will be another match entirely. Although Milan are superior in terms of quality, we can fight them with our own strengths.”

One of these is grit, even more so now that the Rossoneri are without injured midfield terrier Gennaro Gattuso.

“I am disappointed that he won’t be there, but in any case Milan are not weakened, seeing as they have Emerson ready to step in.”

The Viola have quality of their own to count on, including Under-21 international Riccardo Montolivo, but Fabio Liverani is out injured.

“Montolivo needs to get accustomed to taking on more responsibility, seeking out areas of the field where he can make the difference,” warned Prandelli.

The club unveiled January signing Manuel Da Costa from Portugal and he is already in the squad for the big match with Milan.

“I was not expecting any reinforcements in January, but we signed an interesting player and will have time to let him grow. It is a choice in line with our long-term strategy for the side.”

Fiorentina squad: Avramov, Cacia, Da Costa, Dainelli, Frey, Gamberni, Gobbi, Jorgensen, Kroldrup, Kuzmanovic, Lupatelli, Montolivo, Mutu, Osvaldo, Pasqual, Pazzini, Potenza, Santana, Semioli, Ujfalusi, Vieri.

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