[dukeofdavinci]

Donadel's Rangers crossroads
Tuesday 29 April, 2008

While Cesare Prandelli has two doubts for the team to face Rangers, Marco Donadel notes this is the decisive week in Fiorentina’s season.

The Viola take on Rangers in the UEFA Cup semi-final on Thursday after the 0-0 first leg in Glasgow, then clash with Cagliari to cling to fourth spot in Serie A on Sunday.

“This is the decisive week in our campaign,” confessed Donadel. “That last-minute equaliser from Sampdoria forces us to be on the ropes until the very end.

“We will have three very difficult games, but are not thinking of Milan.”

The Rossoneri are now within two points of that fourth Champions League spot thanks to the 2-2 draw at the Stadio Franchi.

Before that, Fiorentina must focus on reaching the UEFA Cup Final.

“We have to step on to the field with the same mentality we had in Eindhoven,” continued the midfielder, referring to their 2-0 away win in the last round.

“We’ve got to give it 100 per cent right from the start, making sure Rangers understand it’s going to be very difficult for them.

“I think the first leg showed how desperate they are not to concede and that we were the only ones trying to score.

“The 0-0 was the result they were looking for. We must play with a pinch more energy and determination to push them out of that comfort zone.”

It is reported Coach Prandelli has two doubts over the line-up that will take on Rangers on Thursday.

In defence Massimo Gobbi is challenging Manuel Pasqual for the wide role, while fit-again Franco Semioli tries to push Mario Alberto Santana out of the side.

Giampaolo Pazzini was suspended for the Serie A draw with Sampdoria and Fabio Liverani is expected to return to the midfield.

channel4.com - Football Italia