Delio Rossi is at the helm of Fiorentina and faces his beloved former club. “I hope the people of Palermo don’t ignore me.”

The Coach was repeatedly fired and re-hired by President Maurizio Zamparini and reached the Coppa Italia Final before walking away in the summer.

“I will always thank Zamparini, because it’s thanks to him I got to know Sicily and the people who gave me so much. I never lied to the Palermo fans, never took them for a ride. I always worked hard and they respected me.

“I also earned many results, including the Coppa Italia Final and 20,000 cheering me on at the Stadio Olimpico. It’s a shame we didn’t win the trophy together.

“Zamparini knows about football, but we interpret the role of a Coach in different ways. There’s nothing wrong with that. I hope to receive a warm welcome. The important thing is the people of Palermo don’t ignore me.”

Rossi has only had two games on the Fiorentina bench, a 0-0 with Milan and the midweek Coppa Italia victory over Empoli.

“I want more of a ‘Fiorentina’ attitude, as this is a very important match. Mentally we are ready and will face Palermo with the right approach. I always want to win.

“The Rosanero are a well-organised side and Devis Mangia a good Coach who is working in the right place. He’ll do well.”

The Viola are without Stevan Jovetic, Mattia Cassani and Per Kroldrup for this match.

“Jovetic is a very important player, but I haven’t had a chance to train him yet. Alessio Cerci has quality and I’ll try to bring the best out of him, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to. Let’s just say the tactics are like a Rubik’s Cube and I’ll keep on trying.”

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