Excited Leonardo looking to finish year on a high

AC Milan coach Leonardo admitted he was excited to be facing Manchester United in the Champions League second round following Friday’s draw but insisted his team must first finish 2009 with a win.

Milan travel to Fiorentina for a tough last match of the year knowing that anything other than a win could seriously damage their Serie A title hopes.

Leonardo’s team trail champions and leaders Inter Milan by five points and a loss could see that gap increase to an insurmountable-looking eight.

But first he couldn’t help but cast an eye on an exciting tie to come in February in which he insists his team will not be the underdogs.

“In the last 16 we’ll face Manchester United who like us have a great European tradition,” he said.

“They have the same objectives as us and I believe we’ll face each other on an equal footing.

“It’s too early to make predictions because the tie isn’t until February and there’s a lot of time before then.

“But Milan and Man United are two teams that have Europe in their blood and looking back on past matches between the teams, they were always emotional encounters in which you just had to be there.”

Before then, though, there is the crucial clash with Fiorentina, who themselves are chasing important objectives, namely a top four finish and a third straight season in the Champions League.

“Tomorrow (Saturday) we’ll return to Florence and play a team with a strong identity.

“They have a very clear way of playing and players in great form because they have many resources and many options.

“It will be an important test for us even though I don’t yet know what formation I’ll play because we have many things to sort out — Ronaldinho has had some problems so I’ll decide at the last minute.”

La Viola coach Cesare Prandelli meanwhile said both teams will be eager to make up for their last league matches.

Fiorentina lost 2-1 at Chievo last weekend while Milan were stunned 2-0 at home to Palermo.

“It will be a tough game against Milan between two teams in good form despite their last defeats,” he said.

“You’ll see two teams fighting to win. As for us we need to do the right things in certain areas of the pitch and be brave in attack.

“Even the best teams aren’t perfect for 90 minutes. We have to be compact, concentrate, be organised and play our game without thinking only about containing our opponents.

“And honestly I think it will be one of the best matches of the season, one not to be missed.”