File from Florence

I called Alan Tanner to wish Fulham luck in the match against Aston Villa. He said rather gloomily that after today it’s Everton away and Manchester City at home, so 3 points are vital. If you go adrift from the rest depression sets in. Berbatov is not the first name I would consider to get Fulham out of  difficulty. He nearly signed for us and perhaps he still will as his reaction to Fulham’s demise is get this agent to get him a move.

Alan mentioned he saw a World Cup report in whch Jonathan Pearce  predicted England would beat Italy and win the World  Cup. I thought this misguided xenophobia had finally come to an end. After all England last won a major tournament in 1966 and since then have not even reached a final. Italy, too, have the considerable advantage of playing in the Confederation Cup in Brazil and are better attuned to the conditions.

Most of the English reports on Italy state that Balotelli will play ahead of Guiseppe  Rossi, which sums up the lack of knowledge. No Italian reporter would say, for example, Danny Welbeck is ahead of Daniel Sturridge. Pepino Rossi is capo cannoneer, top scorer with 12 goals in 14 starts and (I promise you) ahead of Super Mario Baloteeli in coach Cesare Prandelli’s plans.

Fiorentina travel to the Olimpico today to play Roma . The  ‘lupi’ (wolves) have stumbled recently with draws against Cagliari at home and only rescued a point at the death at Atalanta. Their strength is in midfield with dutchman Kevin Strootman, de Rossi and Panjic.  French coach Rudi Garcia has done a  wonderful job, considering the players he sold, but he did buy Adam Llajic from us. I fancy a draw.