Market Not Closed For Viola?

Fiorentina's 2-0 win against Slavia Prague in last night's Champions League qualifier was an impressive feat, illustrating the improvements already made to the Viola the squad. The promising bunch are hotly tipped this season and their Scudetto odds slashed considerably.

Despite this complete-looking team, reports in Italy suggest that the Florentine club will most have one final transfer spree shortly after the second leg of the Euro playoff. The main purpose of this final session will be to sell certain players, thus making room in the squad, but certain acquisitions can also be expected.

Alessandro Gamberini's injury exposed the weakness in central defence and need for some backup in that department. The names of two São Paulo defenders have been mentioned in reports, with 23-year-olds Alex Silva and Miranda getting the nod from Fiorentina director of sport Pantaleo Corvino.  

Corvino will fly to Brazil to decide which player to negotiate for, but he may first make a stop in Portugal to consider a move for Benfica's 21-year-old Brazilian defender David Luiz. The Viola have also been linked with Argentinian centre back Nicolás Burdisso, but it is unlikely that Inter Milan will let the player leave as they have defensive issues themselves.     

A team such as Fiorentina, who are fighting for the Scudetto and Champions League glory, clearly has to have cover for players in various roles with a long and difficult season in prospect.

Peter Pedroncelli