Prandelli wary of Ribery threat

Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli said he was wary of the threat posed by Bayern Munich’s France winger Franck Ribery ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash here.

Former La Viola star Luca Toni is out of the clash with his old mates due to rib and stomach injuries but Prandelli believes the bigger problem will be keeping Ribery quiet.

“We know Toni, he always manages to create good chances but Bayern have good alternatives and an incredible Ribery, we’ll have to double up on him,” he said.

Fiorentina need to win the match or their chances of qualifying for the knock-out stages will be virtually over.

Their cause wasn’t helped by a 3-0 defeat in Munich two weeks ago, for which Prandelli is hoping to get revenge against a team he believes are one of the best in the competition.

“Bayern are equipped to win the Champions League but we want to put in a great performance,” said Prandelli.

“We’ve been eagerly anticipating this match, as have our fans who deserve this.

“These kind of matches help a team to grow and gain the experience to become a great team.

“I’m convinced we’ll have a great game. After the defeat at Siena the lads gave themselves a wake up call, for sure we need to be more clinical in the box.”

Fiorentina’s French goalkeeper Sebastien Frey believes his side has what it takes to rise to the occasion.

“We’ve always approached the biggest challenges in the right way, we don’t lack for motivation and on top of that we’re playing in front of our fans,” he said.

“I’m sure we’ll play well, the Siena blip is already behind us. I want to see the Fiorentina that has never let itself down in the big appointments, we just need to play like we did in the draw against Inter (Milan).

“That’s the spirit we’re looking for.”

Fiorentina welcome back striker Alberto Gilardino for the game following a two-game domestic suspension.

And they will need his goals if they are to beat Bayern as they failed to score in the two games played without him: a 0-0 draw against Inter and 1-0 defeat at Siena.

Gilardino has hit the net nine times in 11 games in all competitions this season.