Bombs not boos concern Ljajic, says Mihajlovic

Fiorentina coach Sinisa Mihajlovic on Saturday brushed off concerns that his Serbian countryman Adem Ljajic could suffer terrace abuse on Sunday against Sampdoria in Genoa.

The young midfielder didn’t play for Serbia in the abandoned Euro 2012 qualifier against Italy in Genoa. But the return so soon to where the hooliganism occurred has some worried that both he and Mihajlovic could be the targets for angry locals at the Marassi stadium.

Serb hooligans forced the game on Tuesday to be abandoned after throwing flares onto the pitch and at rival supporters.

They also clashed with police before, during and after the match.

“I feel bitter and disappointed,” said Mihajlovic ahead of the trip to Samp.

“I saw violence and fear and none of this has any place in football.

“On Tuesday I hoped to see my country Serbia win. Instead they made a bad impression.

“But I’m not worried about Ljajic being jeered, no-one from this country can be afraid of boos, they’re afraid of bombs.

“In this stadium there’s always a particular climate when the opponents arrive but jeers don’t make me feel anything in particular.”

Sunday’s is a must-win game for both Fiorentina and Samp as La Viola sit above the relegation zone only on goal difference with their hosts just one point better off.