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| | Viola to face Czech challenge |
Tuesday 12 August, 2008 |
| Sparta Prague boss Karel Jarolim believes his men can shock Fiorentina, but Viola defender Dario Dainelli expects the Tuscans to deliver.
It’s a huge night for Cesare Prandelli’s Fiorentina as they start their Champions League campaign with a preliminary tie against Czech side Slavia Prague.
The Gigliati are favourites to progress, but they need to make the most of home advantage ahead of a tough trip to the Eden Stadium and will face a focused side.
“It will be a difficult game,” Sparta tactician Jarolim admitted. “Fiorentina reached the semi-finals last year and have strengthened over the summer.
“But we will show all our strength and we are ready to take them on. We know their strengths and we want to take a positive result into our home leg.
“We have great respect for Prandelli’s side and we know they will make us fight, but our team is young and I have a team in mind.”
Despite question marks over his future at the club, defender Dainelli is only thinking about securing a valuable win tonight.
“I am calm and focused on what is one of the most important games for our group,” he said. “We are ready and we want to show what we can do.
“These are the kind of games that are decided by more than physical condition. We have to concentrate and we have worked hard to be ready for this test.
“Personally I have had some small physical problems due to the weight of preparations but now I am in good shape.”
Howard Webb is the referee for tonight’s crucial battle and kick-off is at 7.45pm.
Fiorentina (probable): Frey; Zauri, Gamberini, Kroldrup, Vargas; Donadel, Melo, Kuzmanovic; Santana, Gilardino, Mutu
Slavia Prague (probable): Vaniak; Suchy, Brabec, Latka, Jablonsky; Janda, Jarolim, Tavares, Svento; Necid, Toleski
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Prandelli awaits European opener
Fiorentina tactician Cesare Prandelli is quietly confident ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League preliminary first leg against Slavia Prague. More |
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