President: 'Fiorentina as strong as Juventus'

Fiorentina president Mario Cognigni has claimed that his club are "just as strong as Juventus" as the two teams prepare to meet this evening.

The Viola have surprised many with their strong start to the season, and have even been tipped by some pundits as potential title challengers.

In contrast, Juventus have struggled to live up to their billing as Serie A favourites, but a five-game winning run has moved them into the European places.

"We are very fired up, the team motivated and winning here would mean staying very, very high up the table," Cognini told Firenzeviola.it.

"The side is very attack-minded anyway and we will not stray from that approach at the Juventus Stadium.

"Are Juve a frightening prospect? Of course, the Bianconeri are a very strong side, but we are just as strong as Juventus."

Fiorentina have won the Serie A title twice in their history, with their last success coming in 1969.