Fiorentina forward Adrian Mutu has praised Rangers and expects a difficult game in the return leg of their UEFA Cup semi-final.
The Viola travelled to Glasgow last night and, despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, couldn't unlock the Scots' watertight defence as it finished goalless.
“In Florence we will need to attack more if we want to reach the Final in Manchester,” suggested Mutu.
“Rangers are a good side and we will have to be extremely careful because we know how strong they have been on the road this season.”
Walter Smith's men reached the last four after beating Sporting Lisbon 2-0 in Portugal on the back of a 0-0 stalemate in Scotland.
Mutu was positive but realistic about Fiorentina's chances of progressing, saying: “It's a good result to take home in view of the second leg, but the tie is 50-50 - everything is to play for.”
It should be noted that the Gigliati have yet to be beaten at the Artemio Franchi throughout their run in Europe.
Meanwhile, Viola boss Cesare Prandelli was particularly scathing about Rangers' tactics which spoiled a hotly anticipated match.
“If we had played a game like that in Italy we would be criticised for months. This Fiorentina deserves praise because we played the ball on the floor, but in front of us we found a wall.”
Rangers put 10 men behind the ball for much of the match and only looked to attack on the counter. The Scottish League leader's need a score draw or a win to contest the Final on May 14.