Ibrox holds no fear for Dainelli April 22 2008
Fiorentina captain Dario Dainelli insists the noise levels inside Ibrox will inspire him as the Italians bid to seize an advantage over Rangers in the first leg of the UEFA Cup semi-final.
The Gers will be backed by passionate home support on Thursday night as they look to edge in front and move closer to the May 14 final in Manchester.
But defender Dainelli said: "The heated atmosphere does not scare me, indeed it charges me.
"Our work in training has always been rewarded on the field, therefore we will continue to work and improve.
"We have continued our work of previous years, although we have been handed greater exposure by the 'window' of playing in Europe. We are getting good results, thanks to the work we are doing.
"From a mental point of view there is not a great deal to say on the Glasgow game - we are already very focused."
Cesare Prandelli's side will fine-tune their preparations over the next 24 hours by watching videos of the Glasgow giants in action.
But after facing Everton at Goodison Park earlier in the campaign, and beating David Moyes' men on penalties after each team posted 2-0 home wins, Dainelli is confident Viola can reach the final provided they maintain their focus.
"We must pay careful attention because it will be a difficult game given the atmosphere we will find," the 28-year-old said.
"To me, the atmosphere in Liverpool (against Everton) was exciting. It is worse when the whistles come from your own crowd, because they instead charge your opponents."
Like their Scottish opponents, Fiorentina have had a hectic fixture schedule recently.
"We have played a lot, but this is not a problem," declared Dainelli. "The energy to play these games is always there.
"I do not think it matters that we play away first then travel home (for the second leg). We always take to the pitch with the same attitude."