Fiorentina have the chance to progress to the last eight of the Champions League tomorrow if they can overturn a 2-1 agrregate scoreline in favour of Bayern Munich at the Artemio Franchi. Coach Cesare Prandelli has urged his players to write a new chapter in the history of the Tuscan club.

"Tomorrow night we'll try to make history. At this moment we must detach completely and think of this extraordinary opportunity," he said at the pre-match press conference on Monday.

"There are no problems with fatigue or psychologically. We must start the game in the correct manner, on Saturday [against Juventus] we did not. Anyway, now teams do not concede too many goals in Europe. Football has changed, the key is to find a balance in the way you play."

The Viola conceded a late goal that replays showed was clearly offside in the first leg at the Allianz Arena, but Prandelli insisted that events like these will help his team develop character before revealing the majority of his starting XI.

"Errors from the referees can embarass you after a lot of hard work, but we do not feel victimised," he continued.

"My formation? As with the first leg, I have no trouble telling you. Frey will be playing, De Silvestri, Natali, Felipe, Zanetti, Montolivo, Marchionni, Jovetic, Vargas and Gilardino.

"In the championship we have had an inevitable decline after making progress in the Champions League and Coppa Italia. It's clear that [Adrian] Mutu's absence has put us in difficulty, but some emergencies can help us grow as a unit. If we put in a good performance tomorrow night it would be further evidence of our strength."

"Goal.com"

   Sebastien Frey has said Fiorentina have enough strength to overturn their 2-1 Champions League deficit to Bayern Munich in Tuesday night's last 16 second leg.

After an unfortunate loss in Germany, the Frenchman is fired up and ready to help send his side through to the quarter-finals.

But beating Bayern will require more effort and less talking.

"Bayern have great qualities individually, but we are a great team," he told UEFA.com.

"We showed that, as a team, we can have the best in certain situations, even if we are inferior. We have done it in the past, and now we have to do the same against Bayern.

"We tasted the Champions League last year, and arriving this far now is already an achievement, but we wouldn't mind getting through to the next round."

Frey has reiterated the importance of standing in the way of Franck Ribery. Stopping the French ace will be key to success.

"Bayern have great players like [Arjen] Robben, but I have to mention Ribery too," he added.

"He is from another planet and we must always watch him with great caution."

"Goal.com"

   Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli feels his side were punished after losing 2-1 at home to Juventus on Saturday night.

Marco Marchionni's equaliser was not enough as the Viola missed a flurry of great chances, and their profligacy was punished by Diego who scored first for the Old Lady, and then Fabio Grosso who snatched a second-half winner.

"It's a result that really punishes because we played a good game, especially in the first half, but we were unlucky with a number of chances," he told Sky Sport Italia after the game.

"I am sure there were a few episodes that characterised the first goal too.

"We slowed down in the second half and it made things difficult."

Prandelli has been linked with a role at Juventus, but, once again, he is focussing solely on pitch matters.

"The voices? I am tranquil and determined, and I have told my team that we can get important results this season in the Champions League and Coppa Italia," he concluded.

"Goal.com"

"Goal.com"

   Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli has given an undistorted view on rumours linking him with a move to Juventus in the summer as he prepares to welcome them on Saturday.

Prandelli's name is reporedly on the hitlist at Vinovo, but he is only thinking about doing well with the Viola, rather than chewing over his future.

"I have always been linked with Juventus over the years, but nothing has ever happened," he told the press.

"It's nice to be linked with a great team, but I am only thinking about tomorrow's game."

Indeed, a game that will require an unyeilding effort to revive the embers of Champions League football.

"The focus from myself and the team is on the game against Juventus," he added.

"We want to confront it in the right way, hoping to get a result, because this would be a reason for us to carry on believing for a [Champions League] place which is expected of us.

"Juventus are a strong team, but we will have a full house, and so the ingredients are there for us to play a great game."

Alberto Gilardino is back in contention and likely to start the game, but Juan Manuel Vargas is still in doubt.

"Goal.com"

   Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu has been banned since mid-January after tests revealed a banned substance in his system.

The player has maintained that the results were due to some slimming tablets he purchased in Romania and it appears the evidence has supported his claim, meaning his ban, which was potentially set to rule him out for up to four years, may now only be a few months, according to his agent Giovanni Becali.

The player's agent was optimistic after a hearing that involved the Italian Olympic Committee's anti-doping prosecutor.

"My feeling is that he will be disqualified, but I think it will be no more than three to four months," he was quoted as saying by Il Corriere dello Sport after the hearing.

"Now, we just have to wait for the final verdict. Mutu showed the box of tablets, that had the direction of being 100 per cent natural.

"My impressions? This is not a murder case. He was wrong and acknowledged his mistake, which is only not having asked a doctor for advice before taking this product."

A decision regarding the former Chelsea and Juventus player's suspension is expected within 15 days.

"Goal.com"

Lazio 1-1 Fiorentina

   Lazio missed an excellent opportunity to distance themselves from the relegation zone as they gave up an injury-time equaliser to Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico. An early goal from central defender Sebastiano Siviglia was offset by a Keirrison strike in the late going as both teams shared the spoils.

Referee Andrea Romeo got the proceedings underway in the Eternal City and Lazio wasted no time in creating the first chance of the match. Tommaso Rocchi took the opening kickoff straight into Fiorentina’s penalty area and cut the ball back to Matuzalem who unleashed a low drive that forced Sebastian Frey into making a diving save.

The Biancocelesti were buzzing around the Viola’s penalty area and were rewarded in the sixth minute when Sebastiano Siviglia flicked Cristian Ledesma’s corner up and over Frey to give the home side a dream start.

The Lazio midfielders closed down Fiorentina time and time again as the first half wore on and the Viola struggled to create any decent scoring opportunities.

Serbian starlet Adem Ljajic created some space for himself in the 25th minute and found Marco Marchionni inside of the area but his weak shot failed to trouble Lazio goalkeeper Tomasso Berni.

Cesare Prandelli was pleading with this team to push forward and Ljajic found Marco Donadel in stride but the midfield hardman’s 20-yard drive failed to hit the target.

The Aquilotti then had a glorious opportunity to double their lead one-minute before the half-time whistle. Sergio Floccari threaded a pass through to Stefano Mauri who had beaten the offside trap but he could not power the ball past an onrushing Frey.

Prandelli introduced Brazilian striker Keirrison into the mix to start the second half in the hope that the Barcelona-owned youngster could inject some much needed creativity into the side.

Lorenzo De Silvestri almost came back to haunt his old team in the 63rd minute as his close range header was parried away by Berni and Matuzalem was on hand to block the Fiorentina defender’s follow up effort.

The Viola were starting to believe that an equaliser was on the horizon and it almost came via Stevan Jovetic who unleashed a drive that Berni tipped over the crossbar.

The visitors kept on coming and Kroldrup went close just moments later when he pounced on a loose ball from Marchionni’s corner but Siviglia took the sting out of his close range shot and Berni made the save.

Time was running out for the Viola as they searched for an equaliser and Edy Reja’s showed his frustration when he was sent off in the 87th minute for protesting a little too vehemently for the referee’s liking.

Fiorentina’s persistence finally paid off when Massimo Gobbi’s cross fell to Jovetic who tapped the ball to Keirrison and the Brazilian’s side-footed effort flew past Berni to silence the Olimpico.

"Goal.com"

   Fiorentina president Diego Della Valle has slammed the referee in charge of his side's match against Milan, for not awarding a spot-kick to midfielder Riccardo Montolivo when he was brought down in the penalty box.

Della Valle was that angered that he released a statement saying that the club would be imposing a media silence after the match.

"AC Fiorentina would like to communicate that at the end of the match, the society will be imposing a media silence," the statement said, as reported by Corriere Dello Sport.

The reason behind this decision, as Della Valle explains, has to do with the possibility of negative things being said.

"The decision for the media silence was made, otherwise, who knows what bad things could have been said. We do not want to do this," the president stated.

"There were some striking decisions made that we do wish to comment on at this time. We will, though, make a statement about this situation in the future.

"We deserved the victory, and now that the match has finished, we must turn our attention to Saturday's match [against Lazio]. The players must have nerves of steel, and turn all their anger into determination on the pitch," concluded Della Valle.

Milan defeated the Viola 2-1.

"Goal.com"

"Goal.com"

   Fiorentina fans are planning a number of anti-Tom Henning Ovrebo initiatives for next week's Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims fans have been encouraged by local media in Florence to wear Ireland shirts and Ovrebo masks in a protest against the Norwegian referee during the return leg against Bayern.

Viola fans have already posted various items on Facebook, and they are planning to call UEFA in Switzerland for an explanation over what happened.

Meanwhile, Il Corriere dello Sport claims Ovrebo has been banned from taking matches in the Champions League and Europa League competitions.

The Norwegian has come under heavy scrutiny following his mistakes on Wednesday night after he failed to see a clear offside on Miroslav Klose's winner.

He also failed to send off the same player for a leg-breaking tackle on Felipe Diaz, who escaped unscathed.

"Goal.com"

   Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has lambasted referee Tom Henning Ovrebo, claiming his side were robbed against Bayern Munich.

Montolivo could not hide his frustration as an offside goal from Miroslav Klose saw his side lose 2-1 against Bayern in the first-leg round of 16 Champions League tie.

The Viola equalised through Per Kroldrup after they fell behind to an Arjen Robben penalty. They were later reduced to 10 men amid controversy as Massimo Gobbi was sent off.

But, the heaviest of blows came from the linesman's failure to spot a clear offside on Klose's winning goal, with Ovrebo ignoring valid protests.

Montolivo is furious with the way his side lost the game and spoke up regarding the poor decisions that went against them.

"We played the game we wanted to play, but it's really sad to see certain things happening at this stage of the Champions League," he told Rai Sport.

"Even I saw the offside from the bench and it's really frustrating that we were robbed like this.

"We are still on course to qualify, but we could have been in a better position if it wasn't for the officials."

Replays showed that Klose was six yards offside.


"Goal.com"

   Fiorentina defender Per Kroldrup says that he is bitterly disappointed with the 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League but the Dane also believes that the Viola can turn it around during the return leg at home on March 9.

"The team and players are disappointed. Conceding a goal right at the end is very harsh," he stated to Rai after the match. "It is a result though that leaves open the possibility to qualify for the next phase of the tournament."

Kroldrup was a hero and a villain on the night, as he gave away a penalty, but scored just after the interval.

"There was contact in the area, but you also have to look at whether there was any contact with the ball, and there was," he revealed.

"When I scored, I thought I had done a bicycle kick. It was fantastic.

"I saw the replay to their second goal, and it was clearly offside. But if we are good enough, we will avenge ourselves in the return leg," concluded Kroldrup.

"Goal.com"

   There were no surprises from Louis van Gaal today. The Bayern Munich coach lined up his side in the same ultra-aggressive 4-4-2 setup that has produced a 12-match winning streak.

From the visitors' technical area, Cesare Prandelli made a few surprise inclusions in his defence. From left to right, Lorenzo De Silvestri, Per Kroldrup, Cesare Natali, and Massimo Gobbi made up the Fiorentina back four. In prematch analysis, only Kroldrup had been expected to get the start, so either there were some late injury concerns, or Prandelli hoped to play a wild card ahead of tonight's match.

"Goal.com"

   Fiorentina suffered a loss at Sampdoria on Saturday night, and Cesare Prandelli was not pleased with the performance.

Speaking to La Repubblica after the game, Prandelli said, "The two injuries upset the boys psychologically, but they were not lost nd continued to challenge."

"We are currently lacking experience. We need to the best with whom we have available.

"We are having troubles away from home."

Fiorentina currently sit in 11th place, with 31 points.

"Goal.com"

   Sampdoria picked up their fourth consecutive victory with an impressive 2-0 win over Fiorentina. First half goals from former Viola duo Franco Semioli and Giampaolo Pazzini were enough for Samp to earn all three points.

Sampdoria coach Luigi Del Neri was without the injured Luca Castellazzi and Antonio Cassano but Giampaolo Pazzini passed a late fitness test to partner Nicola Pozzi upfront.

Fiorentina tactician Cesare Prandelli was missing Cristiano Zanetti through injury and Adrian Mutu due to suspension.

Sampdoria attacked from the get-go and created the first chance of the match inside of the first minute as Franco Semioli floated a cross into the penalty area that Pozzi met but his header was straight at Sebastien Frey who made a routine save.

Three minutes later, Samp had another chance as Andrea Poli beat his marker and unleashed a low drive that whizzed inches past the post. The Blucerchiati should have taken the lead in the eighth minute when Stefano Guberti set up Reto Ziegler on a platter but the Swiss wing-back blasted his shot wide from 15 yards away.

Fiorentina received a blow moments later when Alessandro Gamberini was stretchered off after picking up an injury. More misery was heaped on the Viola as Mario Santana limped off the pitch only five minutes later.

Sampdoria took a deserved lead in the 16th minute when the dangerous Guberti sent in a cross that Pozzi met and his header crashed off the crossbar. The rebound fell to Franco Semioli whose header deflected off Pasqual and looped over Frey’s head.

Samp could have doubled their lead when Ziegler found Pozzi in stride but the striker’s effort flew high and wide of the target.

Fiorentina started to come into the match just past the 30-minute mark but were unable to carve up any clear-cut chances.

Sampdoria doubled their advantage in the 40th minute when Ziegler’s free kick was met by Pazzini and he made no mistake by powering his header past Frey. It was a cruel blow to the Viola who looked like they were climbing back into the game.

Guberti almost put the match to bed just before the break when he unleashed a violent shot that just missed the top corner. Pazzini was clearly relived to hear the half-time whistle as his team were reeling.

Sampdoria had an excellent opportunity to add to their lead five minutes after the restart when Pazzini beat the offside trap but he stepped on the ball while bearing down all alone on Frey and the chance was wasted.

La Viola tried to make a game of it and did muster up a half-chance in the 60th minute but Marco Marchionni's weak header was easily caught by Marco Storari.

Fiorentina had another chance seven minutes later but Jovetic’s off-balance shot failed to hit the target.

Sampdoria were in total control and were quite happy to sit back and soak up some pressure from Fiorentina in the last 20 minutes of the encounter.

Fiorentina did not give up though and had their best chance of the match in the 80th minute when Marchionni’s effort just grazed the top of the crossbar.

Fiorentina showed their frustration by picking up a couple of yellow cards in the final ten minutes as they watched Sampdoria cruise to their fourth straight Serie A victory.

"Goal.com"

   Cesare Prandelli has rejected reports linking him with a summer move to Juventus, preferring to focus on Fiorentina's match against Sampdoria.

"Juventus? I don't think now is the time to speak about these things," he told the press ahead of tomorrow's trip to the Marassi.

"I will sit down with Fiorentina in the spring and we will see what happens."

On tomorrow's clash he said: "My best Fiorentina team will take to the field."

A Champions League clash with Bayern Munich is next on his agenda.

"Maybe the formation that plays against Sampdoria will play Bayern. As for [Alberto] Gilardino, he will start tomorrow."

Prandelli has been tipped as one of the favourites to take over from Alberto Zaccheroni at Juventus this summer.

But local media in Florence have reported a new deal at the Franchi could be in store for him.

"Goal.com"

   New Fiorentina captain Riccardo Montolivo has insisted he is settled in Tuscany and would not even consider offers to leave the Serie A club.

“My only thought is to keep wearing this shirt and win something here,” the 25-year-old admitted to Radioblu last night.

“My attachment is growing as the years go by. I was a bit hesitant at first, but it really feels like home now.”

“I have an excellent rapport with everyone and I don’t get angry when they criticise me. If anything, that’s a stimulus to get even better.”

Fiorentina have struggled in Serie A of late, but are in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia and are set to face Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie later this month after topping their qualifying group thanks to a last-gasp win away to Liverpool.

“I can’t wait to play those two games against Bayern and Inter in the return leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final,” said the Italy international.

“Our fans will give us a hand. They are incredible and they made more noise than the Reds fans in Liverpool!”

"Goal.com"

   Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli may not be pleased with the 1-0 loss to Roma, but was happy with how his side did their best at trying to win.

The Viola have now suffered three losses out of their last five league matches.

"I am disappointed about the result, but I know we can work through this period," the tactician told Sky Sports post-match. "It was a good performance by the team, and the players know that if they continue to play like this, the results will come.

"Roma were good to shut down our opportunities on goal, but we did everything we could to win. It was not an issue of fatigue, but that something was missing from our side.

"The result may be in the negative, but we applaud the players who have understood how I want them to play. We will come out of this phase, like we have in other years," added Prandelli.
 

"Goal.com"

   Fiorentina 0-1 AS Roma
 

Roma have vaulted into second place in Serie A courtesy of a late win in Florence thanks to Mirko Vucinic. The Viola dominated for the majority of the game but wasted their best chances and were punished by an 80th minute goal smashed home by the Montenegrin.

Fiorentina bossed the first half against a Roma side who came into the match on the back of seven consecutive victories. Viola coach Cesare Prandelli gave January signing Mario Bolatti his first Serie A start and the Argentinian slotted into the midfield with ease.

The hosts should have gone into the break at least two goals to the good as firstly they had the ball in the net through Juan Vargas. The Peruvian capitalised on a loose ball in the 20th minute after Riccardo Montolivo's cross/shot found its way to Vargas inside the penalty area and he slotted home a neat finish only to see his effort ruled out for offside.

Replays suggested the subsequent Viola protests weren't without merit.

Vargas was involved again ten minutes later when his terrific volley was
instinctively saved by Julio Sergio at the near post. The Roma shot-stopper barely had time to compose himself as he repelled a Manuel Pasqual long ranger seconds later.

Claudio Ranieri's side looked a shadow of the in-form unit that have been rocketing up the table in the first half. A dangerous early cross from David Pizarro and a late strike from Mirko Vucinic which sailed over the bar were the highlights of their first 45 minutes.

With the half drawing towards its conclusion it was left to Lorenzo De Silvestri to hang his head in shame after a dreadful miss. Riccardo Montolivo went on a box-to-box run after a neat touch inside his own half set him on his way, the captain broke forward and layed the ball off to De Silvestri who was clean through on goal but proceeded to slice his effort well shy of the goal.

The Giallorossi opted to shake things up for the second 45 minutes with Ranieri
withdrawing the subdued Totti for Julio Baptista up front. Within moments of his introduction the Romans should have gone in front through Mirko Vucinic who made a hash of his effort when a neat Riise dragback gave him the freedom of Florence only for the forward to miss the open goal.

Fiorentina maintained their first half tempo and dictated the play throughout the second 45 minutes. Alberto Gilardino was denied in the 50th minute at close range by another well-timed block by Julio Sergio after a terrific ball from
Jovetic played in the former Milan striker.

Baptista's introduction gave Roma some added muscle up-front but the 'Beast'
frequently didn't have enough support to break the deadlock as the visitors played on the counter attack.

Prandelli's side continued to press and Gilardino tested the palms of Sergio again with an angled header which was aimed straight at the busy Roma keeper. The striker went close again after Stevan Jovetic stole possession from Juan down the left hand flank and curled in fast paced ball which Gilardino got a flick on but his touch lacked conviction.

The hosts waste-fullness in front of goal came back to haunt them as they were hit by a classic sucker punch by the Giallorossi. Having offered little in the final third Ranieri's side stole the win through a set-piece goal in the 80th minute courtesy of Mirko Vucinic.

David Pizarro's accurate corner was met by Daniele De Rossi who headed the ball in the direction of Vucinic who smashed home from close range. The Montenegrin didn't need an invite and unleashed a thunderbolt which sent the visiting support from the capital into raptures.

With the goal advantage the Romans looked the more likely to add to their lead as Viola heads sunk with Prandelli's men looking devoid of ideas. Five generous minutes of added time came to nothing for the hosts as Ranieri's side grabbed the three points and second spot in the table.
 

   Following his Fiorentina debut this week, Mario Bolatti has spoken for the first time as a member of the Viola.

“Fiorentina are a major club that is known throughout the world,” he told the Viola's official website. “Great players have passed though here and I am very happy to be here."

Bolatti made his Fiorentina bow in the Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter this week and was delighted to have made his first appearance for the club, despite the result.

“I am calm and happy because I came back to play 90 [minutes] even though it was not easy. I'm just sorry for the result which was not good.”

The former Huracan man slotted straight into the Fiorentina midfield and was impressed with his new team-mates.

“With [Riccardo] Montolivo I found myself well, I was comfortable. I am happy with him and all my team-mates who have welcomed me with open arms.”

"Goal.com"

   Adrian Mutu is confident of escaping severe punishment for his doping test failures at Fiorentina, says agent Giovanni Becali.

Mutu has been temporarily suspended by the Italian Olympic Committee's tribunal after he failed two doping tests in January. Results from samples he gave on January 10 and 20 returned traces of the banned substance Subitramine.

An investigation is underway, and Becali feels his man will get away with a three-month ban, rather than face a longer suspension as reported by Italian press when news of the failures broke last week.

"We have spoken with Fiorentina and we have the same ideas. I am sure that Adrian will get away with a two or three-month ban," Becali told Libertatea.

"Adrian is optimistic and sure the judges will take into account the nature of the situation."

"Goal.com"

   Inter will hold the narrowest of leads over Fiorentina in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final after beating them 1-0 in the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza through Diego Milito's first half strike.

The hosts looked to attack from the outset and Sulley Muntari needed to make a timely intervention in his own penalty area the third minute to prevent a certain goal. Fiorentina were taking the game to Inter, with Lucio required to make a number of inte

Riccardo Montolivo should have brought a save from the former Viola keeper in the 14th minute, but after Alberto Gilardino had played him through, Lucio closed him down well to force wide and away from danger. Some good work by Mario Santana on the right wing allowed Montolivo to have an effort from 20 yards minutes later, but it flashed wide of the post.

Inter were only able to shoot from range themselves as they struggled to find a way past Alessandro Gamberini and Cesare Natali. Their first opening game in the 24th minute when Wesley Sneijder burst into the penalty area as the referee played a good advantage, but his shot was deflected wide.

Frey then had to make a fine reflex save to keep Maicon's deft effort out of the net as the Nerazzurri began to exert some heavier pressure. The Brazilian full back put a tantalising cross into the six-yard box moments after, but Diego Milito couldn't quite leap high enough to meet it.

It was the hosts that were in the ascendancy, and they made their dominance count in the 34th minute. Balotelli beat Natali to the ball in the penalty area before passng the ball across the goalmouth to Milito, who made no mistake from a matter of feet.

Moments after, Inter were caught napping when Juan Manuel Vargas was set free on the left wing by Alberto Gilardino but he dragged his shot wide of goal. The Peruvian nearly caught Toldo out in the 38th minute when his cross looked to be dipping under the crossbar, but the keeper was alert and tipped it over for a corner.

The lead was nearly doubled just before half time when Manuel Pasqual's header flew just over his own bar as he tried to clear a free kick. From the resulting corner, the left back cleared Balotelli's header off the line.

Goran Pandev was brought on for Muntari at the break. Fiorentina should have equalised just after half time - the ball came to Santana as it bobbled around the penalty area, but he completely miskicked it from six yards out and it fell harmlessly into Toldo's grasp.

Natali was caught dawdling on the ball when Milito snatched it away from him and raced away towards Frey's goal in the 54th minute, but Pasqual made an excellent challenge before Frey pounced on the ball.

Inter thought they had scored their second goal minutes later. Pandev brought a smart save from Frey down to his right before Milito's follow-up effort was deflected in by Sneijder, but the Dutchman was adjudged to have been in an offside position.

Stevan Jovetic's introduction just before the hour mark provided a much-needed injection of pace into the Viola, and almost had a sight of goal after some neat interplay with Montolivo. Moments later, he was allowed a free header inside the penalty area but his effort was straight at Toldo.

With a third of the game to go, Gamberini made a sloppy error to allow Pandev to take possession just outside the Fiorentina penalty area. The Italian hauled the former Lazio man down, and the resultant free kick from Sneijder grazed the top of the net.

The Nerazzurri won another free kick 20 yards out in the 77th minute, but this time Sneijder's shot clipped the post before going out for a goal kick.

Prandelli looked to provide more of an attacking threat in the final stages as he brought on Marco Marchionni and Adem Ljajic for Santana and Pasqual, but Toldo was a virtual spectator as his defence repelled Fiorentina's forays forward.

McDonald Mariga was brought on to a good reception from the sparse crowd before Jovetic blazed a shot over the bar in injury time. Inter saw out the final few minutes relatively comfortably and are halfway to reaching the Coppa Italia final.

"Goal.com"

   Fiorentina have sold veteran midfielder Martin Jorgensen to AGF Aarhus, revealed the club's official news outlet violachannel.tv.

The player began his career with the Danish outfit, featuring for them from 1994 to 1997 before joining Udinese in Serie A and them moving on to the Viola in 2004.

The 34-year-old's agent has spoken out on many occassions this season, suggesting his client was looking for more playing time. He has often featured for the Tuscans by coming off the bench in 2009-10.

Fiorentina released an official statement confirming the transfer. "The president, ownership and all ACF Fiorentina say goodbye to [Jorgensen] with affection," it said. "We thank him for the professionalism he demonstrated in these five years with the Viola and our achievements together. We wish 'good luck' to Martin on his new adventure."

"Goal.com"

   Fiorentina have secured the loan services of Barcelona striker Keirrison, the Italian club have confirmed on their official website.

The Brazilian frontman, who cost Barcelona €15 million, had signed for Benfica on loan during the summer, but was looking for a new club to flourish after failing to make his mark at the Estadio da Luz.

With the Eagles, Keirrison did not score a single goal in official games, which relegated him to the periphery at the Portuguese club following the winter signings of Alan Kardec and Eder Luis.

The 21-year-old will sign a two-year loan contract with Fiorentina, who have secured the option to make it a permanent deal, following a routine medical with the Viola.

Keirrison will now become Fiorentina's only reinforcement for the attack, after Sampdoria star Antonio Cassano ultimately decided against moving to the Artemio Franchi until the end of the season.

"Goal.com"

   There are reports that Fiorentina have agreed a deal to take Antonio Cassano on loan from Sampdoria.

The transfer would suit both parties, as it does not include an option to buy at the end of the season.

This means Cassano would have the opportunity to prove himself at a top club after Sampdoria Coach Gigi Del Neri dropped him.

Fiorentina would receive a forward of great quality to replace Adrian Mutu during his ban for failing a drugs test.

According to Sky Sport Italia this evening, the deal is all but done, while Radio Blu Toscana suggest Cassano is already in Florence to finalise negotiations.

The 27-year-old is reportedly in talks with Viola general manager Sandro Mencucci.

The only issue remaining is the all-clear from Real Madrid, who still own a percentage of his contract.

Sampdoria did not take part in Europe this season, so Cassano would be available for the Champions League.

"Football-italia.net"

    Fiorentina have signed Haris Seferovic of Grasshopper on a permanent basis, the club said on Friday.

Sporting director Pantaleo Corvino has been tracking the teenager for quite some time. Seferovic arrives just hours after Coni confirmed the suspension of Adrian Mutu in relation to him failing an anti-doping test earlier this month.

A statement confirming the deal for Seferovic on the Viola's official website reads:

"ACF Fiorentina communicates to have reached an agreement with Grasshopper for the permanent transfer of Swiss striker Haris Seferovic. The transfer will be complete following a medical that will take place on Monday."

The Swiss hitman won the Under-17 World Cup in November. He scored the winner in the final, ending the tournament as top scorer. His signing is not believed to be a consequence of Mutu's suspension.

A statement on Coni's official website reads:

"The National Anti-doping Tribunal communicates it has approved the request of the anti-doping attorney to suspend Adrian Mutu in relation to the athlete resulting postive during a test."

Earlier, a report by La Repubblica claimed Mutu's mother Rodica told the channel Telesport that he had taken one of her slimming pills after she forgot them at his house in Florence. The report suggests Mutu was unaware of the ingredients inside the tablet, which included the banned substance Subitramine. The reports remain unconfirmed.

Meanwhile, Viola striker Stevan Jovetic has expressed his views on the case.

"I am sorry for him [Mutu]. I hope everything is resolved so he can come back to play for us," Jovetic told La Repubblica.
 

"Goal.com"

    Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu has failed another doping test, the Coni (Italian Olympic Committee) said in a statement on Friday.

The latest failure happened following last week's 3-2 win over Lazio in the Coppa Italia. This comes just hours after Mutu was suspended by the authorities in relation to Thursday's announcement that he failed a similar test on January 10th.

Coni's note reads:

"The Coni have announced that, as a result of examinations performed by the laboratory of Rome, case of positivity has been found.

"The control which took place under the Doping Control Committee on January 20th in Florence found traces of the substance Sibutramine in the first player who was analyzed, Adrian Mutu, during the Italian Cup match between Fiorentina and Lazio."

Mutu did not train with Fiorentina on Friday.

Sky Sport Italia are reporting that the player's legal defence team are planning a case to present to subsequent hearings.

The report claims Mutu took slimming tablets, that were purchased in Romania, in good faith, unaware they contained the banned substance. These reports remain unconfirmed though.

He faces tough measures as he has now failed three doping tests altogether including the Chelsea one in 2004.
 

"Goal.com"

    Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu is said to be devastated after failing a fresh drugs test yesterday.

The 31-year-old tested positive for anorectic substance sibutramine following the Serie A match against Bari on January 10.

Mutu was sacked by English side Chelsea in 2004 after receiving a seven-month ban for taking cocaine and now risks being handed a hefty ban of up to four years which would effectively end his career.

The former Juventus man was reportedly shocked when notified by team manager Roberto Ripa and head doctor Paolo Manetti and immediately abandoned the Viola’s training session.

He has refused to comment on the incident so far, but vented his frustration last night after having dinner with the rest of the Gigliati squad.

“I did nothing wrong,” he is quoted as saying in La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper.

Fiorentina have insisted they will stand by Mutu who is expected to file an appeal over the coming days.  

"Goal.com"

    Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu has been found positive for the banned substance Sibutramine following a doping test he took on January 10.

Coni (the Italian Olympic Committee) have confirmed he failed a doping test following the 2-1 win over Bari earlier this month.

A statement on their official website reads

"Coni communicates that, following laboratory tests in Roma, a positive case has been found. In the first player who was tested, the presence of traces of the substance Sibutramine was found for Adrian Mutu during a routine control of the anti-doping committee on January 10 in Florence, during the Serie A game between Fiorentina and Bari."

Mutu scored in that game and the Viola went on to win 2-1. The consequences for the player could be severe. Sky Sport Italia claim the player could be given a ban ranging anything from 12 months to four years, as this is the second time he has failed a test.

Many will remember that Mutu famously failed a test for cocaine in 2004 during his days at Chelsea. He was subsequently sacked from the club and banned for seven months.

The substance Sibutramine is banned in the United Kingdom and European Union, and it has been documented the substance has been used as a way of surpressing hunger, or treating obesity.

"Goal.com"

    After watching his Fiorentina outfit fall flat in what was billed as a very important head-to-head clash with Palermo in the race for fourth, coach Cesare Prandelli admitted his side are struggling with injuries as they look to cope with a fixture pile-up.

“When we play three games in the space of a week, our rhythm suffers and as consequences the performance drops,” he declared to SkySport.

“This was the case today and what was alarming was the level of fatigue in the opening period.

“There is a massive fixture haul coming up and we must now get to work to try and resolve such issues.

“We are suffering from a number of absences and this has proven even more difficult to cope with when the fixtures come thick and fast.

“Our main objective is to keep on moving forward as a squad and it’s never easy to find continuity. In the last few years we have changed various personnel but nevertheless we have still managed to display with the same level of character.”

"Goal.com"

    Fiorentina's incosistency on the domestic stage continues, as they were humbled 3-0 by improving Palermo in Serie A with teenagaer Abel Hernandez grabbing a first-half brace.
The hosts were without suspended South American duo Edinson Cavani and Fabio Simplicio, so youngsters Javier Pastore and Hernandez were given a  chance to shine from the start. Meanwhile, long-term absentee Cristiano Zanetti was missing for coach Cesare Prandelli.

There was immediate action, as Mattia Cassani's cross-shot had Sebastien Frey back pedalling, but the goalkeeper was able to tip the ball away.

"Goal.com"

    Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu doesn't believe a move to Manchester City will be hastily thrown together as he pledges his immediate allegiance to the Viola.

A move to the Premier League has been touted, and those beliefs were encouraged when Mutu's agent Giovanni Becali claimed City boss Roberto Mancini "liked his client" on Wednesday.

However, the hitman doesn't feel such a move will happen, as he distances himself from the speculation.

"Manchester City? We will see, but I wouldn't believe in that too much. I am only thinking about Fiorentina and to do well with them this season," he told Prosport.ro, as reported by Firenzeviola.it.

Other sources claimed Mutu was required by Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu of Shakhtar Donetsk. It's a thought-provoking scenario for the striker, but he sees the move as exacting, preferring a destination closer to home.

"I have always had admiration for Lucescu and for what he has done in his career, but all I can say is that at some point I want to end my career with Dinamo Bucarest," he concluded.

"Goal.com"

    Fiorentina eliminated holders Lazio from the Coppa Italia on Wednesday to advance to the semi-finals and will now play either Inter or Juventus. Goalkeeper Sebastien Frey has a clear idea of who he would rather compete against.

"I'm happy with the win yesterday and the fact we are moving on to the semi-finals," he explained to Il Corriere dello Sport.

"If I had to choose right now, I'd rather play Juventus, because at this moment they are a bit vulnerable."

Meanwhile, team-mate Alberto Gilardino is hopeful the Viola can win some silverware this season.

"We really care about the Coppa Italia. For me, the opponent does not matter. The important thing is to get to the final," he concluded.

"Goal.com"

    Adrian Mutu scored twice and provided the assist for the other as Fiorentina defeated Lazio 3-2 in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia at the Artemio Franchi in Florence on Wednesday night.

The Romanian scored twice in the first half and although Lazio scored two goals in the second session, first through Mauro Zarate and then through Tommaso Rocchi, the Viola won the game 3-2 in the end, thanks to a Per Kroldrup goal just before the hour mark.

Fiorentina commenced in a very attacking formation with Alberto Gilardino and Adrian Mutu starting upfront in attack while star man Juan Manuel Vargas was supporting them from the midfield. Lazio had Mauro Zarate and Tommaso Rocchi as their two main strikers.

This Coppa Italia quarter-final tie promised to be an entertaining affair and it did start with loads of promise as both sides started the game with pace and positive intentions. The first real chance of the game, however, fell to the hosts in the 7th minute when Vargas ran down along the left and whipped in a cross, but Mutu couldn't connect it with his head.

This led to Lazio launching a counter-attack and they almost scored too. Rocchi galloped down the left but his left-footed shot from close range was smartly saved by Fiorentina custodian Sebastien Frey.

Two minutes later the Artemio Franchi saw the deadlock being broken when Mutu struck. Gilardino was released down the right inside the Lazio penalty area and he cut back the ball for his strike-partner, and the Romanian, left unmarked by the Aquile defenders, swung his right foot to hit the ball home to make it 1-0 to the Viola.

The former Chelsea striker could have doubled the home side's lead in the 11th minute when he was the target of a left-wing cross, but his header went wide.

Fiorentina got two quick chances after that. First, Gilardino was released down the right and he got the better of his marker, but his attempt on goal was saved by Lazio custodian Nestor Fernando Muslera. Then in the 20th minute Vargas crafted in a well-measured cross from the left but there was no one to head it towards the Lazio goal.

Proper chances died up after that although Rocchi and Zarate tried to make things happen for the visitors. On the half hour mark Lazio defender Aleksandar Kolarov attempted a long range shot but it went wide off the mark.

The Viola could have made it 2-0 in the 38th minute had Muslera not been at his best. Mario Santana was the target of a well-carved floated ball but his free header was marvelously turned away for a corner by the Lazio custodian.

But Fiorentina did eventually earn their second goal of the night and they did so in the 44th minute. Gilardino again turned the provider as he received a low pass from the left and laid it off for Mutu on the edge of the Lazio penalty area. The 31-year-old's well-hit shot seared past Muslera into the Lazio goal. It finished 2-0 to the Viola at half-time and there was a strong suspicion that the Gigliati had done enough to reach the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.

    After months of speculation about where he might end up, Mario Bolatti has finally settled his future and officially signed for Serie A club Fiorentina.

The move was confirmed this evening via a club statement on the official Fiorentina website that read:

“ACF Fiorentina announce we have acquired [Bolatti] outright from Porto, with a contract lasting four years plus an option for the fifth, the Argentinian midfielder Mario Ariel Bolatti.

The player will be presented to the press tomorrow at 10:30am at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.”

The 24-year-old already expressed his delight at finally sealing a move away from FC Porto to the Argentine media and will field questions as an official Fiorentina player in the morning.

The move completes a fairytale 12 months for the midfielder who previously admitted he was “completely lost” in Portugal following an unsuccessful move to FC Porto in 2007.

A loan move back home with Huracan under then manager Angel Cappa saw Bolatti lead a young side to within ten minutes of an Argentine Championship. He was one of the league’s standout performers and also forced his way into the international setup under Diego Maradona.

    "Henry Gimenez gave relegation battlers Bologna a surprise lead against Fiorentina just two minutes before the half hour mark. It became 2-0 to the visitors on the stroke of half time when Marco Di Vaio netted. However, six minutes into the second half the Viola pulled one back through Adrian Mutu. But the visitors held on for a remarkable away victory.

Prandelli: " We gave a time 45 minutes without rhythm and intensity. In the second half we had a great game but it was useless. Perhaps many compliments after the three wins we had to loosen the tension. We lacked aggression, We missed mentally for 45 minutes. There is always something important, the lot of Santana has been exemplary in terms of character. We are in an emergency, we had two guys on the bench primavara. Between injuries and suspensions we have been particularly emergency in midfield, but with the arrival of these players are sure that back in the charts: the intentions of the company also cover a midfielder." 

    "The ACF Fiorentina announced that he had sold outright sporting performance of the attacker Ingnacio Castllo at AS Bari. This note issued earlier from the official website of the company purple.

Speaking to Radio Blu, the now former striker purple, Ignacio Castillo, said: "Leaving a club is always great sorrow, but when there are some prospects need to do certain choices.

Unfortunately when I arrived there have been misunderstandings. Corvino said that I rejoiced because of some criticism? There was a bit 'of everything. First, it did not feel right to do so because there was already a deal with Bari I am not one who reads the newspapers much, but it is also true that many I have not played against that I was taking from an injury that had kept me in the long detention .

However I am 34 years old and I have no major problems. Again, I'm sorry to be judged without having had the opportunity to demonstrate my skills. For me there are things more important than football, and it is nice that my family is at the stadium and heard some criticism. Among other things, perhaps only with Bari I played in my real position.

If I explained my problem to Prandelli? He is not one who talks a lot. Babacar? Ever since I arrived I was struck by its extraordinary maturity. The important thing is that you find continuity and that he is putting too much pressure on him. Relations with the dressing room? Good, although I am a very private person. "

       Fiorentina are on the verge of signing Partizan Belgrade attacking midfielder Adem Ljajic pending a medical, the club have announced..

Earlier, a report in Serbian news sheet Press claimed a deal had been struck between both clubs for the 18-year-old.

His agent though was reluctant to confirm that view. He revealed the Viola had broken the early ice, but a deal was far from being in the bag.

"I can confirm that there exists an interest from the Viola, but we are unaware of talks being at an advanced stage," the players agent Mladen Furtula told Tuttomercatoweb.com.

"In any case, the player would welcome playing in Italy greatly."

Now, the Viola have announced a move as pending on their official website as they set the record straight.

The statement reads:

"ACF Fiorentina communicates that there is an agreement with Partizan Belgrade for the permanent transfer of Adem Ljajic. The deal will be formalised after a medical."

       Genoa president Enrico Preziosi has announced the arrival of Dario Dainelli from Fiorentina.

"Dainelli? We can say that move is official," he told Radio Radio TV.

"We needed a central defender, and he is one of the best around in Italy."

Earlier reports suggested Genoa would pay Fiorentina €2.5 million for the player who is expected to sign a three-year deal, but Preziosi did not confirm that notion.

However, he did claim that a number of top Italian sides are keen on midfielder Alberto Zapater.

"Zapater is wanted by many clubs, important ones too," he added.

"But at the moment we cannot let him go because the deal for [Fernando] Menegazzo doesn't seem like it will go ahead."

       Fiorentina edged Bari 2-1 at the Stadio Artemio Franchi and 'man of the match' Riccardo Montolivo was pleased to win the exciting match. The midfielder claims he is enjoying his football more in 2010.

"I feel more alive when I play this year," he explained to Sky, after being crowned man of the match.

"We played a good match and created many chances. We were never forcing our game."

The former Atalanta player revealed his ultimate goal is to regain his place on the Azzurri in time for the World Cup this summer in South Africa. Montolivo took part in the 2009 Confederations Cup, but has rarely featured since then under coach Marcello Lippi.

"There is still time in the championship, I'll play as ever to be a candidate for the Italian national team at the World Cup," he concluded.

Fiorentina now have 30 points in the Serie A standings, sitting in sixth place.

       Serie A side Fiorentina look poised to offload central defender Per Kroldrup to Greek side Panathinaikos, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

It’s still unclear whether the Gigliati are planning to loan him out until the end of the season, when the former Everton man’s contract runs out, or if they will get something out of the deal.

But the 30-year-old is expected to tie himself to the Athens-based club for the next two seasons and will earn a salary in the region of €2 million.

Kroldrup’s agent had recently insisted his client would see out the final six months of his contract at the Franchi.

Fiorentina were reportedly in negotiations with Lazio to sign midfielder Cristian Ledesma, in exchange for a €5m fee and the services of centre-back Cesare Natali, but the latter is now likely to remain in Tuscany.

       Following intense speculation linking Adrian Mutu with a move away from Fiorentina over the last few weeks, the Romanian has finally come out and pledged his future to his current club, for now anyway.

In an interview with GSPTV, Mutu told the Fiorentina fans, “There has been a lot of talk, but for now I am not thinking about leaving.”

Mutu had been linked with moves to a host of Premier League sides as well as a prosperous move to the Middle East but the ex-Chelsea striker confirmed that it will take a lot more than money to lure him away from Florence.

“I think I've proved with my behaviour that money is not important to me."

However, the striker did not rule out the possibility of a summer move away from the club stating, “I will not leave Fiorentina, at least until the summer.”

The former Juventus man also admitted he attempted to patch up his rocky relationship with Romania national team coach Razvan Lucescu, who has repeatedly said Mutu has no international future while he is in charge after the striker was spotted in a nightclub a few days before a match with Spain.

“I called Razvan 36 times to apologise,” he said, before adding, “if he wants to talk about it then he knows where I am.”

       Champions League hopefuls Fiorentina commenced 2010 with a resounding victory over Siena in the Tuscan derby. They had virtually wrapped up the match in the first half itself when they went 3-0 up. Per Kroldrup gave the Viola the lead five minutes into the match and then in the 28th minute it became 2-0 when Mario Santana scored. Eight minutes later it was 3-0 to the Florence-based side as Alberto Gilardino scored.

The visitors continued to torment Siena in the second half. Gilardino netted his second of the match in the 66th minute and then 11 minutes from time Adrian Mutu scored Fiorentina's fifth of the afternoon. However, the hosts earned themselves a consolation goal when Massimo Maccarone converted a penalty in the 84th minute.

       Fiorentina are ready to snatch Lazio playmaker Cristian Ledesma from under the noses of Juventus, according to La Repubblica newspaper.

Ledesma has been frozen out of the Biancocelesti squad and has set about having his contract rescinded.

Juve have been heavily linked with the 27-year-old in recent weeks, but doubts over the future of under-fire boss Ciro Ferrara have stalled negotiations.

Lazio President, Claudio Lotito, seems prepared to accept Fiorentina’s proposal after meeting with their director of sport Pantaleo Corvino over the past few days.

Corvino has reportedly put €5 million on the Aquile’s table and the rights to central defender Cesare Natali.

Lotito is evidently keen to cash in on the Argentine in order to avoid a repeat of the Goran Pandev case after the Macedonian freed himself from his contract with the club last month and joined Inter on a free transfer.

A deal between the two clubs is said to be close and Ledesma appears open to a move to the Stadio Franchi, but has yet to agree terms with the Gigliati, who are offering him a three-year contract.

       Fiorentina are busy at work as they plan a winter raid for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso, according to Il Corriere Dello Sport.

Italian club director Pantaleo Corvino recently claimed "Veloso is a good midfielder", and he is now ready to put his words into practice by meeting the €10 million asking price. 

It is believed that Corvino is back in Florence working on a deal to cement an interest in the Portguese star and make a concrete bid for him. Sporting value their man at around €10 m - a figure deemed too high as part of a straight cash deal.

However, Corvino is confident he will be able to convince the Lisbon-based side to engage his terms and conditions for the money to be paid in installments over the next three years. Such a scheme would not dent the Viola's budget too much, and Sporting will eventually get the sum they are looking for.

Landing the 23-year-old will not be easy though as both Tottenham Hotspur and Genoa have also been linked with him.

Meanwhile, in a different transfer speculation, Marco Donadel has been tipped to leave the Viola and join Napoli in exchange for Walter Gargano.

       According to several reports from Italy, Fiorentina are closely monitoring the situation of Serbian youngster Adem Ljajic, currently playing at Partizan Belgrade.

The Tuscans are eager to add some more creativity to their squad and sporting director Pantaleo Corvino reportedly sees the 18-year-old as the perfect addition to the Fiorentina selection.

Ljajic appeared to be on his way to English powerhouse Manchester United, but the proposed transfer collapsed after the Red Devils failed to obtain a work permit for the promising midfielder.

Russian sides Rubin Kazan and CSKA Moscow also showed an interest in signing the youngster, but Ljajic made it clear that he was not interested in moving to Russia.

Fiorentina are reportedly preparing a €8 million bid for the highly rated midfielder.

       Liverpool forward Ryan Babel is attracting the attention of Italian outfit Fiorentina.

The 23-year-old is being lined up as a possible replacement for Adrian Mutu, who is said to want a move away from Florence.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is looking to sell his fringe players as he seeks to raise money to spend on new players in the January transfer window.

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claims Liverpool are set to offload Babel in the new year and they report that Fiorentina are preparing to table a bid for the Holland international.

Babel revealed earlier on this season that he was hoping to secure a loan move away from Anfield in January to earn a place in the Holland squad for the World Cup finals next summer.

The Dutchman has never cemented his place in the Liverpool side since his £11 million move from Ajax in 2007.

Babel has scored nine goals in 67 league appearances for Liverpool but has failed to become a regular starter for Benitez's side. 

        Premier League strugglers West Ham could launch an audacious bid for Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu during the January transfer window, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Hammers technical director, Gianluca Nani, has reportedly turned his attention to the ex-Chelsea man after Bayern Munich forward Luca Toni snubbed a move to Upton Park earlier this month.

Mutu is tied to Fiorentina until June 2012 and is currently on the sidelines. The 30-year-old has been hampered by injury problems throughout the first half of the season and has slipped down the pecking order at the Franchi due to the form of Alberto Gilardino and Stevan Jovetic.

And Mutu's agent, Giovanni Becali, has hinted his client could indeed opt to seek a fresh start when the transfer window opens in the new year.

“I can’t rule out the possibility of Mutu leaving in January,” the representative told the tabloid.

“Adrian just needs to get well and play. We’ll see if any offers come in next month.” 

        Training within the "ex" for the group Prandelli is now back at work. For the whole team working away from prying eyes, while only the goalkeepers have reached Campini a special session with the trainer.

Along with the rest of the troop lily also present new signing Felipe, who has hailed his new teammates, as well as already found by some photographers to dine in a room near the stadium.

        Fiorentina forward, Stevan Jovetic has scooped up the 2009 Montenegrin Footballer of the Year award.

Jovetic beat Roma hitman Mirko Vucinic to the gong by a clear 17 points after coaches and captains of the Montenegrin first division cast their votes.

The Viola man has blossomed into form this term, helping his side leap into the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time in a decade.

"This is a good conclusion to a good year," Jovetic told UEFA.com.

"But I hope it's only the beginning and that next year will be even better."

Jovetic has reflected on the year, and has picked his double strike against Liverpool back in September as the highlight of his fledgling career. The aim from here on is European and domestic success.

"It's a match I will never forget," he said, referring to the 2-0 win.

"It was the best moment in my career so far. I hope there will be more goals against such big clubs in such important games. Last season we lost against Bayern in the Champions League but now we're better and more experienced and will be ready for that great challenge."

        Real Madrid and Manchester United both want to sign Fiorentina teenage sensation Khouma Babacar, likened by some to Chelsea hitman Didier Drogba.

The 16-year-old Senegalese striker is regarded as one of the most talented youngsters in Italy, and has been at Fiorentina since the summer of 2008.

Despite his young age, Babacar is already training with the Viola first team squad and coach Cesare Prandelli – famous for developing youngsters – believes the hitman is destined for the very top.

Babacar’s talent, and form for the Fiorentina Primavera side, has not passed unnoticed around Europe, and the player’s agent has confirmed that both Real Madrid and Manchester United want the African.

“Yes, it's true and there have not just been other enquiries but real and proper offers with some big clubs,” said Denis Rondanini.

“But in the end we chose Fiorentina because we are convinced that it's the right place for him and that he is in good hands both from the directors' point of view and from the technical management.

“I repeat, they will know when to launch him in the first team. Baba's qualities are under everyone's eyes but he is still a lad of 16-17 who has a lot to learn. From this point of view, the fact he is already able to train with the champions who play for Fiorentina is an honour for him.”

Italian clubs have had real problems in recent years with prodigious youngsters being poached by foreign clubs, particularly Premier League sides, and Fiorentina will be determined to keep hold of Babacar. 

One of these is the playmaker of Spartak Moscow, the Russian star with the formation in his last tournament in Viareggio, when it was a 2-1 defeat by Reggina in the last sixteen. Already nine months ago Corvinus in the match played on the field of Santa Maria at Empoli, had sent his man of confidence, and Ananidze had not fulfilled the expectations, scoring and giving assists.

Among the features of the boy there to play behind the strikers is that as left outer. The coach of Spartak Moscow, Valery Karpin, he tried the first time against Khimki, in the championship ended two months ago, sent on fourteen minutes from the end instead of Dzyuba, and in that quarter of an hour Ananidze assured push surprising for a rookie.

Of the group of players on the launch pad, always of the Spartak Moscow, there is a genuine talent of the current Russian football: Pavel Yakovlev, center forward, 18 years, nine goals with the Primavera team last season, launched and discovered at youth level by manager Dmitry Gunko.

        Fiorentina are looking for a midfielder. According to the newspaper The Nation for June would be the dream Francisco Reges Fernando, 22, the Porto midfielder currency between 16 and 18 million. Many. Back cyclically even the candidacy of Miguel Veloso, 23 years, the demand of nearly ten million.

Observers are followed by purple Fabian Rinaudo Gimnasia La Plata, Lucas Biglia dell'Anderlecht, both in their early twenties but already within the national team. Much more physical Bolatti Mario, 21, who after an unfortunate experience in port and returned home nell'Huracan.

Here he had the opportunity to show off conquering also the convening in the National Assembly. Corvino also follows Cristian Ledesma, in advanced stage of breaking with Lazio. Fiorentina - like other companies - is following the story with the hope of being able to get their hands on the player at no cost. And the relationship between Corvino and the player - that led to purple Diesse Lecce - are known to be very good.

In Italy the names that are like those of Guarente (Atalanta) and Cigarini (Napoli). Again Corvino has to deal with two parameters: the request - in the case of Guarente last summer has even touched the 10 million - and the possibility of a vacancy in the purple rose.

        Fiorentina scored his second shot of the market. In January, in fact, ensures today's Corriere dello Sport Stadio, Prandelli arrives at the court of Argentine midfielder Mario Ariel Bolatti, under all'Huracan. Born in February 1985, this strong median already has three caps for the senior team of Diego Armando Maradona and at home is considered one of the most interesting prospects. Details of the transaction and approximately 8 million euros for the entire card, payable in three installments.

Even the engagement, of course, falls within the parameters of society lily. From a technical standpoint, this 25 year old boy who a few days ago seemed destined for Barcelona could represent an alternative to Cristiano Zanetti, ultimately limited by injuries. Corvino at this moment is at Lecce, and not just back in Florence also will close this deal. Are already two, and then the shots purple.

        Fiorentina are bracing themselves for a winter raid by Manchester United who are eager to land highly-rated goalkeeper Sebastien Frey.

Sportmediaset.it reports that the Old Trafford-based club have been following the Frenchman, who has been outstanding for the Viola this season.

It is said Frey would be the future heir to Edwin van der Sar between the sticks. The Dutchman's contract expires in the summer and Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to ensure he lands the right replacement.

Capturing Frey will be difficult though as his contract expires in 2013 and he signed an €18 million release clause two years ago amid interest from Milan. Furthermore, with a place in the Champions League last 16, the Viola are unlikely to sell one of their prized assets mid-season.

La Gazzetta Dello Sport are also reporting an interest from United in Frey. The pink sports paper claims the Viola are looking at Bologna goalkeeper Emiliani Viviano in case the Frenchman moves to Manchester.

 

        The match beteween Fiorentina and AC Milan, scheduled to take place on Saturday night at 20:45 CET has been postponed due to bad weather in the Tuscan city.

Earlier reports had claimed the game was at risk of being cancelled at the last minute and it appears this has turned out to be the case.

Fiorentina club staff and groundsman battled all day to clear the snow, but another downpour on Saturday forced both clubs and the authorities to decide to cancel the match. A new date for the game has yet to be confirmed.

The early evening kick off between Bologna and Atalanta has also been postponed due to the bad weather.

        Fiorentina appeared to be picking up form both in Italy and in Europe until last weekend when they were somewhat  surprisingly defeated 2-1 by Chievo in Verona. They had been steadily approaching the form that propelled them to finish in the top four in the Italian top flight for the past couple of seasons but their wings were clipped in Verona.

Nevertheless, the Viola do have the resources and the mentality to bounce back. They slipped down to ninth in the table, four points off a Champions League spot, but coach Cesare Prandelli will certainly be motivating his players to try to step up for the big game on Saturday.

Fiorentina's home record in the league so far this campaign looks good with five wins in eight games, having conceded just five times. They also have the joint second best defensive record in Serie A, having shipped only 15 goals in 16 matches.

Milan hadn't lost a game in any competition since September 30 until they were demolished 2-0 at home by Palermo on Sunday. That defeat pushed the Rossoneri to five points behind city-rivals and current league leaders Inter but they remain second in the standings.

Leonardo's side had been on a run of five successive league victories and although the quality and depth in Serie A is such that teams are capable of taking points off one another, a 2-0 loss in front of their own fans did come as a surprise. Milan were good in the first half against Palermo with Ronaldinho putting in a number of good balls for Marco Borriello, whose shooting was wayward, but two quick goals from the Sicilians in the second period flattened the Rossoneri's tyre.

It will be interesting to see how Milan respond to the defeat. There is a suspicion that the loss could just deflate this aging Diavolo side and a defeat to Fiorentina just before the winter break could dampen Milan's Christmas hopes and burst their bubble.