Cesare Prandelli wants Fiorentina to take the initiative against Everton in Thursday’s UEFA Cup clash and puts his faith in Christian Vieri.
“We are encountering a side that is perhaps among the best in Europe,” said the Viola boss.
“They are having an excellent campaign and doing so with good football. I would love to repeat our performance against Juventus.”
Despite missing Adrian Mutu for a month, the Tuscans snatched their first victory in Turin for 20 years.
That 3-2 result boosted confidence ahead of the UEFA showdown at the Stadio Franchi and also took them within a point of third place in Serie A.
Mutu remains sidelined, while Mario Alberto Santana and Franco Semioli are also unlikely to feature.
“In any case, we have to play with balance and concentration. Our tactical credo is always to take the initiative and certainly not sit back and defend. We must have the approach of a big game, but also be wary of Everton’s aerial power.”
Mutu’s devastating knee injury could have been the turning point for Fiorentina, but they recovered admirably from seeing their star striker stretchered off.
“You can feel a positive sense of euphoria now and to be enthusiastic at this stage is a wonderful thing. We have to make the most of those sensations. I am sure the lads want to repeat how they felt when the team returned from Turin and was greeted at the airport by singing fans.”
Vieri missed the victory over Juventus with injury, but Prandelli confirms the veteran is set to take a key role against Everton.
“I have not decided on my starting XI yet, but I am leaning towards Vieri from the start. What counts is that we must become accustomed to winning and building on them with more good results.
“There will always be difficulties, but we should also keep hold of those positive sensations. Maintaining consistency is the toughest thing over time.”
Meanwhile, a group of English police officers are travelling to Florence with the Everton fans to help ensure public safety.
With the new security around Italian football clamped down this season, the Florence chief Francesco Tagliente had a stark warning for visiting supporters.
“Extreme rigour will be used against anyone who should in any way threaten the serenity of the Florentine citizens and fans of both sides.”
