Udinese vs Fiorentina preview - Rossi hailed by Fiorentina chief
Posted Saturday, November 23, 2013 by PA
Fiorentina owner Diego Della Valle has heaped praise on red-hot striker Giuseppe Rossi ahead of Sunday's game at Udinese.
The Italy international has been inspirational this season, scoring 11 goals in 12 league games to lift Fiorentina to fifth in the standings.
Rossi, whose career has been badly hit by injury in recent years, also scored the opening goal in Italy's 2-2 friendly draw with Nigeria on Monday night.
"Rossi is not only a great player but a fantastic human being," Della Valle said to www.acffiorentina.it. "I have been pleasantly surprised by him.
"He deserves to be in the national team.
"We are delighted for him and we hope he can continue to help Italy as well as Fiorentina."
Rossi, who is Serie A's top scorer, will lead Fiorentina's attack as the Viola look to make it three league wins in a row at the Friuli stadium.
Fiorentina won 2-0 at AC Milan before beating Sampdoria 2-1 last time out to remain four points adrift of Napoli, who are third and hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.
"Everyone in the team is working well and I can only compliment (Fiorentina coach Vincenzo) Montella and the players," Della Valle said.
"We are growing even if we know that there is room for improvement.
"The important thing is that the team is displaying good football."
Udinese, meanwhile, are showing little sign of making a recovery.
Francesco Guidolin's side fell 1-0 at Catania last time out to suffer their fourth defeat in five games and drop them down to 12th place.
Udinese have failed to find the back of the net in the last two games and Guidolin is desperate to recover key striker Antonio Di Natale.
Di Natale has been out of action with a left thigh injury for the last two weeks and is doubtful for the encounter.
"We really hope to have Di Natale available," Guidolin said. "He is working very hard to recover as soon as possible."
Should Di Natale fail to recover, Luis Muriel will lead Udinese up front.
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