<><b>Fiore playing it cool</b></P>
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<>Stefano Fiore is keeping his feet on the ground despite Fiorentina’s fantastic start to the season.
The Viola are without doubt one of the surprise packages, having shot to the heady heights of third in the table with a relatively new team that has gelled quickly.
Fiore is one of the main reasons the Tuscan side are faring so well. His understanding with new boy Luca Toni – who is already leading the scoring chart with 12 goals – has been a key factor in their success.
However, it is still early in the season to get carried away and the former Italy international is experienced enough to know that there is a long way to go before any medals are handed out.
"Obviously we deserve to be where we are in the table," he said. "But the important thing is not to let it get to our heads.
"We need to keep it together mentally and stay focused. It’s too early to start giving out judgements."
It will certainly be easier to give a verdict about Fiorentina once they have negotiated their way past another month.
After the international break, the Viola face three very difficult matches beginning with Milan at home, Roma at the Stadio Olimpico and then Juventus in Florence.
"We are in charge of our own destiny," said the 30-year-old. "Against Ascoli we proved to ourselves that we can overcome sides that play really well against us."
Fiore hasn’t yet given up on a return to the national set-up either and, with Lippi having commended him on his recent good performances, the former Lazio and Valencia man has half an eye on the World Cup in the summer too.
"There’s plenty of time before June," he said. "So I will try my hardest to keep playing well with Fiorentina and, if there’s a chance, maybe Lippi will recall me."
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