Parma vs Fiorentina preview - Leonardi plays down Viola talk

Posted Saturday, September 22, 2012 by PA

Parma general manager Pietro Leonardi has denied speculation that he could have been working for the opposition as Fiorentina visit the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

The Italian businessman has revived the fortunes of the Ducali club since arriving in 2009 and reports in Italy this summer suggested he had been approached by the Della Valle family to perform a similar role for the ailing Tuscan giants.

But Leonardi insists that the prospect of a move elsewhere was never a reality with so much unfinished business remaining in Emilia-Romagna.

He told fcparma.com: "I never refused Fiorentina, these are the kind of rumours that often emerge during a transfer window.

"I've always said that I'm happy at Parma and I want to continue my project in this city.

"The Della Valles are people I have great respect for, in terms of how they handle themselves in football, but there was never an agreement for me to go to Florence.

"I expect a performance full of pride from my team on Saturday, especially after the defeat in Naples, and considering that La Viola are worried about their next game against Juventus.

"Together with (head coach Roberto) Donadoni, we have built a highly competitive team and I don't regret anything we did in the transfer market."

Veteran winger Marco Marchionni is set to make his second debut for the Crociati after returning to the Tardini on a free transfer earlier this week.

"It's fate that Marchionni has come back to finish his career with me," Leonardi added.

"He's a guy I brought to Empoli when he was an amateur, he's part of my family."

Amauri could also run out against his former club as Parma strive for a seventh consecutive home victory, but midfielder Jonathan Biabany remains sidelined.

Meanwhile, Nenad Tomovic is looking forward to forging a strong defensive partnership with new recruit Stefan Savic, as Fiorentina chase a third league win of the fledgling season.

He told Viola Channel: "He made the right decision coming to Fiorentina.

"If we continue to play as we have done in previous matches we will enjoy it."