Vincenzo Montella is focused on Fiorentina’s” data-scaytid=”3″>Fiorentina’s climb up the standings, but admits taking on Sampdoria” data-scaytid=”4″>Sampdoria “is always special” for him.
Vincenzo Montella is focused on Fiorentina’s climb up the standings, but admits taking on Sampdoria “is always special” for him.
“I spent three years in Genoa, plus another towards the end of my career, and it is always special for me to meet Samp,” said the Coach.
“Plus I’ve been friends with my fellow Neapolitan Ciro Ferrara for many years and we shared so much together.
“Every game is the most important as far as we are concerned and it will be tough for us, especially considering the way Sampdoria play. We want to give a sense of consistency to our journey.”
The Viola are emerging as surprise Scudetto contenders, though their run of five consecutive victories was halted by a 2-2 draw with Torino last week.
Luca Toni suffered head trauma in that game and is still out against Sampdoria, joining Adem Ljajic and Stevan Jovetic.
“I don’t think we’re having many injuries, it’s just that they are all concentrated in one area of the team,” continued Montella.
“We have other forwards and they probably would’ve played anyway. Mounir El Hamdaoui hasn’t managed every training session, so I’m not sure whether he can play 90 minutes.
“Mati Fernandez has great potential and he needs a goal to break through, so he can gain in confidence.”