Cesare Prandelli is convinced Fiorentina’s showdown with Udinese will be as spectacular as it is crucial for the Champions League places.
“A victory would be a great step forward for us,” said the Viola boss who has a four-point lead over Milan and five ahead of Udinese.
“We are facing a spectacular Udinese side that halved their ticket prices on this occasion to ensure the stadium will be packed out, so it certainly won’t be easy. The atmosphere is going to be electric.”
Back in November the Friulani won 2-1 in Florence with goals from Fabio Quagliarella and Antonio Di Natale.
Meanwhile Prandelli has been taking advantage of the Easter break ahead of the UEFA Cup quarter-final with PSV Eindhoven.
“This week has been useful in resting and training properly. We also recovered some psychological energy and are ready for a new tour de force.
“Martin Jorgensen trained well and is fit to play, so are Christian Vieri and Tomas Ujfalusi, but Franco Semioli is out.
“All our concentration is focused on Udine. They have a very attacking approach and if the strikers are given space they can be decisive.”
Prandelli’s work with Fiorentina has impressed many in the peninsula and there are reports he was asked to take over at Inter.
“That is pure fantasy football. My desire is to stay in Florence and grow with this squad. We are doing well, but the fans have realised soon we will be competitive with any opponent.
“We are dreaming on a large scale and I know the club is also working on a new training facility.”
Fiorentina squad: Avramov, Cacia, Da Costa, Dainelli, Donadel, Frey, Gobbi, Jorgensen, Kroldrup, Kuzmanovic, Lupatelli, Montolivo, Osvaldo, Papa Waigo, Pasqual, Pazzini, Potenza, Santana, Ujfalusi, Vieri.
