Viola ready for physical challenge March 12 2008
Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli is taking nothing for granted against Everton in the UEFA Cup despite holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg.
The Toffees are on a good run of form domestically, unbeaten in nine Premier League matches, and Prandelli is well aware the hosts could easily turn around the result from Florence a week ago.
"It was not a surprise to get such a great result as we have been playing well," said the Italian.
"But we know it will be much different when we face Everton in front of their own fans. They have three or four top-quality players and have a good record themselves this season.
"It is always hard to play an English team in their own stadium. The supporters will be fired up and we know it will be a difficult game.
"I am expecting a physical game with a lot of long balls but my team is ready for the challenge."
Viola are chasing a Champions League place in Serie A despite the setback of losing to Siena at the weekend, but Prandelli refused to consider the future.
Asked whether he would prefer to win the UEFA Cup or get into the Champions League, he said: "I am not thinking that far ahead, only about the next game."
Prandelli is expected to play 4-3-3 with Mario Santana, Pablo Osvaldo and Christian Vieri up front - a bold statement with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
However, he added: "We are well prepared and will not change our tactics, even though we are two goals ahead. We do not intend to defend that lead but try to score more goals."