Rossi 'dreams of Coppa Final'
By Football Italia staff - Wednesday January 29 2014
Giuseppe Rossi’s agent has given more updates on the knee injury. “The dream is to play the Coppa Italia Final” on May 3.
The Fiorentina striker had a lesion to the collateral medial ligament, but there were fears he had also damaged the anterior cruciate ligament.
“Yesterday, Giuseppe had a check-up and Professor Steadman looked at the latest tests, agreeing the right knee is stable,” wrote agent Andrea Pastorello.
“To support this theory, there is absolutely no pain or swelling. For all of these reasons, we have opted for conservative therapy.
“Despite the comforting medical tests, I confirm we do not underestimate the seriousness of the injury, which at the moment does not allow us to define a comeback date.
“In two months we will evaluate the next step and if at that point the situation is positive, then Giuseppe will finally be given the all-clear to train on the pitch.
“Today the most important thing was to receive the confirmation Giuseppe is in the best situation we could’ve hoped for after that injury.
“My thoughts, and those of Giuseppe, go to the Viola fans and all of Florence, whose sincere affection accompanied and strengthened him in these moments.
“Today the dream, and I underline it is a dream, is to play the Coppa Italia Final and prove the indomitable spirit of this extraordinary man who lives for football, for his team and for his fans.”
Fiorentina face Udinese in the Coppa Italia semi-final next month, but the Final is at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on May 3.
“Thank you from the heart to everyone. You should know Giuseppe personally reads all your messages and it is from you he above all gets the strength to fight.
“I must also thank the Della Valle family, the directors, the Coach, the team and the whole club for the precious and fundamental moral support.”
This afternoon Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli said he would wait “until the very last minute” to include Rossi in his 2014 World Cup squad. Pastorello responded to that statement in his open letter.
“We promise to battle, without holding back energy against the unfortunate situation. Up until the last second of the last day allowed, with enormous determination and extraordinary effort, we will do everything to be there.
“We face this with apparent calm, but we assure you inside there is the rage of someone who doesn’t want to bend or break. Yesterday, glistening with joy, I once again saw Pepito’s eyes shine, the eyes of a child who has been given his dream back...
“Forza Giuseppe – Florence and all of Italy are by your side.”