[dukeofdavinci]

Mutu proud of improving Viola Monday 17 March, 2008

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Fiorentina striking star Adrian Mutu thinks the Viola are demonstrating a newfound maturity as they balance domestic and European priorities.

The Tuscans strengthened their hold on fourth place with an assured win over Genoa, while fifth-placed Milan came unstuck at Roma.

Having progressed to the UEFA Cup quarter-finals with a penalty shootout win over Everton in midweek, the fixtures keep coming thick and fast for Cesare Prandelli’s men, but Mutu believes they are up to the test.

“Sunday was a great day and it was very important to us,” the former Chelsea man said. “We found the net and we won – you can’t ask any more than that.”

Mutu was the star of the show, but his teammates managed to cope without him during his period on the sidelines with a knee injury.

“This side has shown that it can do well with or without me,” Mutu insisted. “In reality everyone here is interchangeable.

“It is a sign of maturity. Now we are used to playing every three days – it is tiring but at the moment it’s also very satisfying.

“After the euphoria of qualifying for the next round of the UEFA Cup, we didn’t feel tired.

“A four point lead over Milan is worth something but there are 10 games left and anything can happen.”

channel4.com - Football Italia