Stefano Pioli says Fiorentina will struggle to ever finish in the top six of Serie A unless they find a way to punch above their weight.
The Viola are currently eleventh in Italy’s top flight, with seven wins, seven draws and seven defeats from 21 matches played.
And speaking ahead of today’s clash with Verona, Pioli – who is in his first season as Artemio Franchi Coach – said the strength of competition in the League is similar to the situation in England.
Stefano Pioli says Fiorentina will struggle to ever finish in the top six of Serie A unless they find a way to punch above their weight.
The Viola are currently eleventh in Italy’s top flight, with seven wins, seven draws and seven defeats from 21 matches played.
And speaking ahead of today’s clash with Verona, Pioli – who is in his first season as Artemio Franchi Coach – said the strength of competition in the League is similar to the situation in England.
“The target is to lay the foundations for a Fiorentina who can fight for Europein the future,” the Viola boss began.
“We have some good points, we have players who we can count on and players who can help improve the team.
“Italy is becoming a little like England. There are five or six teams good enough to break away from everyone else due to their superior potential.
“We need to find another way to go beyond our limits or we will struggle to get into the top six.”
Pioli stressed that despite today’s opponents Verona’s current plight, the clash between the teams in Florence will a difficult one.
“There are no matches harder to prepare. It would be superficial to think this is an easy game.
“We know of the opponent’s problems and we know the kind of preparation they have had.
“Our motivation is at least equal to theirs, we need to show we are better when it comes to the match.”