Capello expects blues to challenge Fiorentina

England boss warns La Viola to expect a sticky tie against the toffee's.
By Daniel Gregory 03/03/08

England manager Fabio Capello has said he expects Everton to be tough opponents for Fiorentina in their Eufa Cup tie this week.

Capello spent many years managing in Italy, and has seen a handful of Everton games since taking the England job before Christmas.

Capello watched Everton produce a solid display to see off Portsmouth on Sunday and was impressed with what he saw.

Capello said: "Everton are a good team and it will be an interesting game against Fiorentina."

"Fiorentina have an injury to one of their best players, Adrian Mutu, and he is very important for them.

"Everton are a very well organised team and the players stay in good positions on the pitch, so I think they will be dangerous opponents for Fiorentina right now."

Everton travel to Florence this Thursday for the crucial first leg, where David Moyes and his players will be hoping to carry on their unbeaten run in the Eufa Cup, and follow on from the fantastic 8-1 thumping of Norweigan side SK Brann in the last round.