Ilicic latest signing to join promising project in Florence.
Fiorentina owner Andrea Della Valle believes the club can clinch a top-three finish next season, but also suggested their summer spending is not over.
The Viola confirmed the signing of Slovenian playmaker Josip Ilicic on Tuesday, with the former Palermo star joining in a deal reportedly worth €9m.
He is the latest talented signing the Serie A outfit have made this summer, joining the likes of Mario Gomez, Joaquin, Massimo Ambrosini and Marcos Alonso at the Artemio Franchi.
As a result, Della Valle believes that his club no longer “have to hide” as they look to compete amongst the top three teams in Italy, and supporters can even dream of a Scudetto depending on how the first few months of the season go.
“With the team we’ve got right now, I cannot lie to the fans. I think we can dream of the Champions League along with five or six other clubs,” he told the media as reported by Football Italia.
“I hadn’t said that for years, but now I feel ready to say it. The other word can only be said after a few months of the season,” he added, referring to the Scudetto.
“There’s no point in hiding, as it’s right to dream and sometimes dreams do come true. We have the right mix of youth, experience and world class players, meaning this team can continue to grow.
Della Valle went on to talk of the significance of the arrivals of Gomez and Giuseppe Rossi, stating that Fiorentina have earned respect and credibility across Europe once again and entertained the whole of Italy with their brand of football last season.
The outspoken chief even hinted at further signings this summer, stating that he will “reinforce the midfield and make this team even stronger”.
Viola supporters will hope to see new signing Ilicic produce more goals like that scored in the video below, with the 25-year-old finding the net against his new employers for Palermo back in a Serie A clash in 2010.
COMMENTS