Cesare Prandelli feels Fiorentina must run risks and play entertaining football to get past Rangers in the UEFA Cup semi-final.
The 0-0 first leg draw in Glasgow left everything in the balance, especially with the Scots’ great away form in the competition.
“We have the spirit of a team fighting for something very important,” said the Coach in his Press Conference.
“We must realise that this is going to be a magical night and feel the pride of being in a semi-final. I am relaxed, as the side has always reacted well in moments of difficulty. We’ve got to enjoy it.”
Prandelli even revealed he had to limit the number of training sessions this week, as his players were putting “too much energy” into them.
“I am convinced Rangers will play the same way they did in Glasgow, only they’ll be more ready for the counter. We’ve got to be attacking and take control of the tempo.
“It also means running a few risks, albeit with balance, in order to win the match. Franco Semioli is fit again, but we will certainly start with Mario Alberto Santana. I like my players to be motivated on the field and perhaps a little angry to be left out.”
Rangers disappointed with their defensive strategy in Glasgow, though Prandelli expects no change in Florence.
“I fear their experience and their counter-attacks. When playing in Lisbon earlier in the competition it looked as if Sporting would qualify, but instead Rangers won out. They are also dangerous from set plays.”
Fiorentina are the only remaining Italian club in Europe, but the tactician feels underappreciated.
“In Europe there is a lot of talk about these semi-finals of the UEFA Cup, but not enough talk of it in Italy.
“In fact, everyone mentions how warm the British fans are, but tomorrow they will all see what the Florence crowd are capable of. They will win the game for us and give the team a great deal of enthusiasm.
“I see smiles and proud faces all round ahead of this match. Our way of experiencing these events as great sporting moments and the chance to meet up and know each other is certainly the right way to go to the stadium.”
Around 9,000 Rangers fans are expected to arrive in Tuscany on Thursday, although only 3,000 have tickets for the game.
Fiorentina squad: Avramov, Dainelli, Donadel, Frey, Gamberini, Gobbi, Jorgensen, Kroldrup, Kuzmanovic, Liverani, Montolivo, Mutu, Osvaldo, Pasqual, Pazzini, Santana, Semioli, Ujfalusi, Vieri.
