Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle has announced that the Viola are entering the final stage of preparations to build their own new stadium. The project is seen as a vital step for the club’s future.
The textiles merchant also spoke about the sense of excitement and ambition in Florence after hearing the news that they will face Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League knockout stage.
“We’re almost on the home straight [with the stadium building project],” said Della Valle according to Firenzeviola.it.
“We’ll still need a few months but a new stadium is a fundamental step in the right direction.
“When you see the stadiums in England it encourages you to pursue these projects, because in Italy we’re still a long way behind England and Germany in this regard.
“In Italy Juventus were the first to build their own stadium, we’ll be the next and then I believe it will be Roma.
“I hope the stadium will be the first step in a new journey together.”
Della Valle also offered his thoughts about the Europa League after the draw on December 15 announced that Fiorentina will take on Tottenham at White Hart Lane on February 19 before the return leg at the Artemio Franchi on February 26.
“Destiny has pitted us against Tottenham, a team with a great tradition like Fiorentina,” Della Valle said.
“We accept the draw and we’ll go to London to play because we are not afraid of anybody.
“We respect them a lot but at Fiorentina we love to challenge ourselves against this type of team.
“It will surely be an exciting contest.”
The president finally spoke about the upcoming local derby with Empoli that will be held in Florence on December 21.
“On Sunday we face a game that will be very important as we look to continue with out good form,” Della Valle said.
“We will meet a tricky and difficult opponent in Empoli, but this Fiorentina side will be determined in every game it plays.”
