Fiorentina Director Pantaleo Corvino: I’d Be Mad To Sign Juventus Midfielder Tiago Mendes

The Viola transfer guru has emphatically dismissed links with the Portuguese.

Dec 20, 2009 9:30:17 AM

Tiago Mendes and Pavel Nedved celebrate for Juventus against Bologna.

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Tiago Mendes and Pavel Nedved celebrate for Juventus against Bologna.

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The Italian press have recently suggested that Fiorentina will launch a bid for Juventus midfielder Tiago Mendes during the January transfer window.

But Pantaleo Corvino, the Gigliati director of sport, has wasted no time in reacting to the mounting speculation in his usual colourful manner.

“I’m not mad…” he laughed on Italia 7, before claiming there are tactical reasons behind his decision not to pursue the former Chelsea man.

“The Portuguese is accustomed to playing in a three-man midfield, while [Viola coach Cesare] Prandelli uses two men.”

Juve invested €13 million to sign Tiago from Lyon in the summer of 2007, but he failed to hold down a regular starting shirt in Turin under former Bianconeri coach Claudio Ranieri

Juve director of sport Alessio Secco tried to offload him in vain last summer, but Tiago opted to stay at the Olimpico and prove his worth to new boss Ciro Ferrara, with mixed results.

The 28-year-old has made only nine appearances in all competitions so far this term.

Vince Masiello, Goal.com

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