Cesare Prandelli is focused on the Champions League preliminary round, but rather than calling for new signings, he asks Fiorentina to reduce their squad.
“Without doubt European qualification is an important appointment, but our pre-season training is geared for the long-term, so we aim to be in good shape for the start of the Serie A season,” said the Coach.
“My players are mature and know how to value the importance of each match they go into.”
The Viola don’t know the name of their Champions League opponents yet, but will face them on August 18 and 26, just a few days before the Serie A season kicks off.
Some supporters have complained the squad is not strong enough following Felipe Melo’s sale to Juventus, but Prandelli has other ideas.
“As we stand right now, the team is too large, because there would be players forced into the stands and that is always a difficult thing to do.”
Fiorentina have been heavily linked with Arsenal’s Emmanuel Eboue and Luisao of Benfica.
“Eboue pushes up the right flank with a very attacking bent. He is a lad of great talent.”
Alberto Gilardino denies reports of a move to Lyon by explaining his targets for 2010 are “fourth place with Fiorentina and the World Cup.”
There have been rumours of a bid from the French club following their decision to sell striker Karim Benzema to Real Madrid.
“I read about this in the newspapers, but I am happy in Florence and do not want to change teams,” Gila told Sky Italia television.
“My objective is to earn fourth place with Fiorentina as well as, obviously, going to the World Cup in South Africa.”
The hitman had lost his way at Milan, but rediscovered his form and international place with 19 Serie A goals last season.
With Capocannoniere Zlatan Ibrahimovic heading for Barcelona and Kaka gone to Real Madrid, Gilardino feels he has a better shot at both individual and club trophies.
“Serie A has lost two important players, but that definitely means there will be more of an overall balance among the clubs.”
Fiorentina declared they are the first club in Italy to include buy-out clauses in their contracts, but Gila assures he isn’t among them.
“So far I have not signed for any clause and we have not even talked about it yet. When we sit around a table to discuss it, then we’ll see what happens.”