Sampdoria captain Angelo Palombo faces his past this Sunday, but warns Fiorentina he has no intention of returning.
The midfielder started his career with the Viola in 2000 and left for Samp in 2002, although there have been rumours his old club is interested in renewing that relationship.
“I am very pleased and surprised to hear about that. It’s wonderful, but I want to stay at Samp for a long time,” he told Tuttosport.
“In fact, the director general has said he is ready to propose a new contract, but the rapport between us is extraordinary and so there is no hurry.”
Sunday’s showdown at the Stadio Artemio Franchi is effectively a play-off for the Champions League spot, as only four points separate them.
“It is without doubt an all or nothing game. This is our last chance to achieve an extraordinary target. Even the most optimistic of us would not have thought it possible at the start of the season.
“Of course even the UEFA Cup would be an impressive achievement, but the Champions League is a dream. We are ready to gamble it all against Fiorentina, as we have nothing to lose.”
The Viola were in action for the UEFA Cup semi-finals on Thursday with a 0-0 draw at Glasgow Rangers.
“Adrian Mutu is obviously a striker who can make the difference at any moment and he is the number one danger man, but we are not afraid. After all, we have Antonio Cassano and Claudio Bellucci.”
