Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”1″>Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto assures he is “not afraid of Carlos Tevez” or Juventus” data-scaytid=”4″>Juventus ahead of Sunday’s clash.
The rivals go head-to-head in Serie A this weekend, then will meet twice for the Europa League Round of 16.
Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto assures he is “not afraid of Carlos Tevez” or Juventus ahead of Sunday’s clash.
The rivals go head-to-head in Serie A this weekend, then will meet twice for the Europa League Round of 16.
“We know how important this game is, but we must maintain a high level of concentration. That’s the only way to get a result,” the Brazilian said in his Press conference.
“We are well aware of how the city perceives this challenge and in speaking to Anderson I explained to him the rivalry that exists between the clubs. The city lives through this game without thinking about anything else.
“Do I fear Tevez now he’s Capocannoniere? No, there’s no fear. After all, our Giuseppe Rossi was top scorer until last week.
“We mustn’t focus only on Tevez and Fernando Llorente, but play our game and recreate what we test out in training during the week. We know of Juve’s strengths, but we have ours too and can’t just try to limit them.
“Juve will play their game and we will play ours. Gigi Buffon is a wonderful goalkeeper who needs no introduction, but there are others of his level and perhaps even better. I really like Iker Casillas, for example, even if he’s not playing regularly.”
Neto had been bitterly criticised at the start of his Fiorentina career, but has won over the supporters with some strong performances, including the 4-2 victory over Juventus.
“My mentality is that this game was truly important and remains in the history of the club. However, this will be a different match with a different atmosphere. We must gain from that performance the confidence that we are strong.
“If we look at the statistics, we have the third best defence in the League. What irritated me was that at the start I didn’t play, but the media did not influence that, because criticism is part of football.
“I am taking it one day at a time and hope to be the goalkeeper of Fiorentina in future too. You’d have to ask the club or my agent about a contract extension, but if the proposal satisfies everyone then I am happy.”