We can beat Rangers, vows Fiorentina star Mario Santana

Apr 13 2008

FIORENTINA star Mario Santana is dreaming of the UEFA Cup Final and insists the Viola's fans expect them to see off Rangers.

The Serie A side stand in the way of Walter Smith's team and the showpiece at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 14.

Fiorentina's fantastic win over PSV set up a mouth-watering semi-final showdown with Gers.

And Santana is convinced Cesare Prandelli's squad have what it takes to send the Ibrox men crashing.

The Argentine star says their wins over the Dutch outfit and Premiership side Everton prove they're a match for anyone.

He said: "We got a massive victory in Eindhoven and it has given us great confidence ahead of the semi-final against Rangers.

"It was a difficult match for us but we were brilliant on the night and it's now our dream to reach the final in Manchester.

"It's a huge challenge but everyone at Fiorentina is ready.

"Our fans are happy because they have a good team on the pitch again after a difficult time.

"They'll expect us to play to our maximum against Rangers and make the final.

"The Scots will be strong competition because they have Champions League experience but so did PSV.

"We believe we can defeat anyone and that's why we will go to Glasgow with confidence.

"To play the second-leg in Italy is an advantage but we've already had big wins away in England and Holland."

Santana is a vital member of Prandelli's squad and will be a key player for Fiorentina.

But after watching Rangers on DVD, he knows how tough it will be to get past them and set up a clash against either Bayern Munich or Zenit St Petersburg.

He said: "I didn't mind who we met in the semi-finals. Sporting Lisbon and Rangers are both good teams and at this stage there are no easy opponents.

"I have watched Rangers a few times this season and we'll have to work hard in both games.

"Defensively they're strong and it will be key for us to unlock their back line and score."