Date: August 17th, 98
MILAN, Italy - Gabriel Batistuta is hoping that new coach Giovanni Trapattoni can turn Fiorentina into the best side in Italy's Serie A.
Fiorentina had only a UEFA Cup place to show for last season's efforts, but Trapattoni is already targeting a place in the 1999 Champions League after holding on to his Argentinian striker.
Batistuta, who had considered leaving the club after seven years, signalled his return with a fine beakaway goal in last weekend's 5-1 win over second division Lucchese.
"It's great to be back playing again, and to have a Fiorentina shirt on my back," he said. "And it's also great to be back with my teammates and to feel the support of the crowd.
"I can't believe how affectionate they have been towards me."
Looking to the season ahead, Batistuta said: "We've got a good group of players. Now it's down to Trapattoni to turn us into a team.
"He's done the right thing by raising our sights and aiming for a place in the Champions League (in 1999/2000), because the objective must be to do the very best we can. But we mustn't give people any illusions.
"There are seven or eight other clubs who also think they have the right kind of players now to become champions.
"And it won't be a drama or a disaster if we don't make into the Champions League, the important thing at the moment is just to work hard."
Among the title challengers will be Inter Milan, who have added Roberto Baggio to an attacking line-up that already includes Ronaldo.
"It makes me laugh when I read people in the newspapers saying that those two might have problems playing together," he said. "That really is a joke.
"These are two great footballers who will take Inter to the top. I'm sure about that."
Batistuta congratulated Parma for signing fellow coutryman Abel Balbo, who fell out badly last season with AS Roma coach Zdenek Zeman.
"He's a friend and a great player. Parma are a stronger club now with him in the team," he said.
As for Zeman's recent warning over drug use and his finger-pointing at Juventus, Batistuta said: "I think there's some confusion over this. Are we talking about drugs or restoratives?"
Batistuta, whose club and fans are deadly enemies of Juventus, went on: " I think Zeman has done the right thing by opening up the debate, just as it is right for there to be an enquiry.
"If there is any 'cheating' going on then it will come out, if not the issue will be closed," Batistuta said. "I can't see what's wrong with clarifying the situation."
Source: The Nando Times
Batistuta Cheers Fiorentina Coach Trapattoni