These two clubs are battling for a spot in the UEFA Cup, or even Champions League, and go head-to-head on Saturday evening, kick-off 17.00 UK time.

“We want to bring together the fans and the team to become as strong as we were before,” explained the Coach whose side lost 1-0 at Cagliari last week.

“We wish to return with enthusiasm towards our objective, which is to unite the fans and the media. If we are in sync, then we are a strong squad, but if there is a lack of balance between these components then we can run into problems.”

Although it was Fiorentina who eventually qualified for the Champions League last term, Udinese won both their Serie A meetings.

“Udinese are a strong side with extraordinary potential in attack. I fear their counters and the sudden diagonal runs that take our defenders by surprise. They have been playing this way for a long time and have a consistent approach.

“Our own forward play, however, needs to be tweaked. There are moments when we can have two strikers in the centre and some in which there is only one with two wingers. It depends on the situation.”

Adrian Mutu is back to full fitness after a recurring knee injury, but Per Kroldrup and Stevan Jovetic are sidelined following international duty.

“Kroldrup bruised his ankle while playing with Denmark, while Jovetic also picked up a knock for Montenegro,” explained Prandelli.

“When there is international duty at times the players return happy and revitalised in terms of mentality, but then they have very little time to prepare for the next match.”

Under-21 international Daniel Pablo Osvaldo is also out, as he is still suffering from a muscular problem.

Fiorentina squad: Almiron, Comotto, Da Costa, Dainelli, Donadel, Frey, Gamberini, Gilardino, Gobbi, Kuzmanovic, Melo, Montolivo, Mutu, Pazzini, Santana, Semioli, Storari, Vargas, Zauri