Fiorentina 'close to new stadium'

Fiorentina owner Andrea Della Valle says the Viola are ‘almost on the home straight’ with plans for a new stadium. The Tuscan club are looking to develop a new 40,000-seater stadium in the city’s Mercafir area, at a cost of over €300m. “We’re almost on the home straight,” Della Valle assured Viola Channel. “It will take several months, but the stadium is a key step for us. “When you see English stadiums it motivates you to pursue projects like this, because we’re still a long way behind countries like England and Germany.

“In Italy, Juventus started the process, we’re next and then I think it will be Roma’s turn. “I hope it’s the first step in a new journey together.”

The Viola patron also discussed the club’s Europa League campaign, which will see them face English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in February. “Tottenham are a team with great tradition, as are Fiorentina.

Adel Taarabt: 'Mr Ordinary' Mario Balotelli has wasted his talent “We accept our fate, we’ll go to London to play football because we’re not afraid of anyone. “We have a lot of respect for them, but Fiorentina love to play these types of teams, to play football and to compete. “It will definitely be an exciting challenge.”

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