Torino vs Fiorentina preview - Mencucci plays down title talk

Scudetto is a dirty word at Fiorentina as Vincenzo Montella's side look to claim a sixth consecutive Serie A victory at Torino.

Club director Sandro Mencucci is eager to play down speculation that La Viola are ready to challenge for a first Serie A title in 43 years, despite witnessing a remarkable surge toward the top of the table in recent weeks.

A resounding 4-1 victory over Atalanta took Montella's men into third and second place is up for grabs at the Stadio Olimpico with Inter Milan not in action until Monday.

Mencucci told La Repubblica: "We are exceeding all expectations.

"Having replaced 18 players in the summer the coach thought he would need more time.

"We managed to survive at the very end of the season last year and so it's strange to see us in third place, but it's way too early to talk about the Scudetto.

"We have already said that we want to get back into Europe and in a few months' time we might be there.

"The best thing is that the team is playing well and enjoying themselves and that sends out a good message to the Viola fans."

Despite all the positivity, Fiorentina were dealt a blow this week when Montenegrin striker Stevan Jovetic suffered a setback in his recovery from a muscle tear.

But Luca Toni has returned to Tuscany after five years away, following Fiorentina's failure to sign Dimitar Berbatov, and the veteran frontman is fit and ready to fire in Turin.

"We have the misfortune of being without Jovetic for two games but all the players are ready to give their best," Mencucci added.

"Jovetic is a great player and Toni has great desire and tenacity.

"When we failed to reach an agreement with Berbatov many people criticised us for bringing Toni back but he has proved them wrong."

Torino head coach Giampiero Ventura is unhappy with a strenuous schedule that precedes the Turin derby on Saturday week.

The Granata must tackle Siena in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, just three days after Sunday's meeting with Fiorentina and only three days before the game at Juventus.

Ventura told La Repubblica: "It's strange that we have to play Siena on Wednesday in anticipation of the derby on Saturday night.

"Obviously we have been unlucky."