Batistuta: Osvaldo a bargain

By Football Italia staff

Gabriel Batistuta believes Juventus have picked up a bargain in Dani Osvaldo, as he backs Fiorentina in the League and Europe.

Osvaldo completed a quick return to Serie A after six months in England with Southampton, with a deadline day move to the Old Lady on an initial loan deal.

For one of Serie A’s most distinguished former marksmen, the transfer is one that should serve Juve well.

“Did I expect him back in Serie A so soon? No, but if he has chosen this then it is because he wanted it,” mused Batistuta to TuttoMercatoWeb this week.

“Juve have picked up a bargain and Osvaldo knows Italy, and it is possible to do many things, but in the end, for me, it is the most difficult championship of all.

“I do not say the most beautiful, but the hardest, yes, believe me.

“Is it really the toughest? You cannot please everyone, abroad they tend to follow more the Premier League and La Liga, but the level of difficulty in Italy is a test of authority.

“Tactics have the upper hand, the teams in the field are more organised, their lines are stuck together and move so as to stop you from scoring.”

Batistuta cast his eye over Serie A and Juve’s current domination.

“There are so many games, but the impact of the Bianconeri on the League has been devastating.

“There is no doubt that they have the strongest team and they have not missed the chance to demonstrate this.

“And second and third are tied up? No, albeit with some distance to make up, everything seems to be in the balance.

“My Fiorentina have missed the chance to take advantage of Napoli’s slip-up, but the Viola are, however, having a great season.

“They have the chance of aiming for third place, the Coppa Italia and the Europa League.

“They need to avoid many more missteps like that against Cagliari. Those challenges matter, in some respects, more so than direct clashes.

“The Europa League? Napoli and Juventus have the means to get to the final, but watch for Fiorentina.

“This Cup is of great importance to La Viola, they will make every effort in the knockout stage and, if Fiorentina and Juventus both eliminate their Round of 32 opponents, they will do battle.”

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