Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”1″>Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella heaped praise on his hometown club Napoli. “We’ll try to win, but they are Scudetto contenders.”
Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella heaped praise on his hometown club Napoli. “We’ll try to win, but they are Scudetto contenders.”
The big match kicks off at 19.45 GMT on Wednesday at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, where the Viola are aiming for a fourth consecutive victory in all competition.
“Napoli deserve their current position in the table and are Scudetto contenders, even if playing in the Champions League threatens to take a lot out of them,” said Montella in his Press conference.
“They have changed a great deal compared to last season, but the club worked well to construct a strong, solid and homogenous squad, while Rafa Benitez is a Coach of international standing. He has done well to settle so quickly into the Neapolitan context.”
It’s something Montella knows all about, as he is from the Naples area and has been linked with the bench.
“Do I dream of being the Napoli Coach one day? There has been talk of this, but I am happy at Fiorentina.
“I like the fact Napoli always try to take the initiative and control results like the very top clubs. We try to play with the same principles, but with players who have different characteristics.
“Every game is important and hides dangers, but I am interested to see how Fiorentina perform against a top level opponent. We’ll try to win, of course.
“Scudetto? We know what our level is and that is not a thought that crosses my mind often…”
Gonzalo Higuain and Giuseppe Rossi both arrived from La Liga and have been impressive in Serie A.
“They are both exceptional players who play for and with the team, as well as having an eye for goal. Perhaps we didn’t even expect Rossi to have such a strong start to the season.”
Alberto Aquilani and Juan Cuadrado have shaken off injuries and should start, while Gonzalo Rodriguez is suspended and Josip Ilicic still out injured.