Frey sure of Fiorentina progress

ACF Fiorentina goalkeeper Sébastien Frey insists the Italian side can put recent poor league form behind them to qualify for the UEFA Cup knockout rounds.

Frey improving
Although Fiorentina have taken just two points from their last five Serie A games, Frey believes they will get the draw they need in Thursday's Group C decider against FK Mladá Boleslav – simply because "they have to". The French international will miss the match after twisting his right knee in training, but is confident of the opportunity of further European action in the new year. "I feel very well now, two days after surgery," he told uefa.com. "I have already started walking again, and will be available after the winter break."

UEFA Cup goal
Fiorentina are second in the section with five points, requiring one more to be sure of qualification, while Czech visitors Mladá Boleslav must win to progress. "This competition is really important to us, it's one of our main goals, and we will not put it to one side in favour of the championship," said the 27-year-old. "We're aware this game will be decisive, but we will be playing in front of our supporters and we're convinced we'll qualify. We're not over-confident, but we know we have to qualify and we don't want to think about any other outcome. We have to do it."

Toni reunion?
Asked about Friday's Round of 32 draw in Nyon, Frey said he considers FC Bayern München "the strongest team" in the tournament. Bayern's lineup includes former Viola striker Luca Toni, whose four goals against Aris Thessaloniki FC on Wednesday made him the UEFA Cup's joint-leading scorer. Of a possible reunion with Toni, Frey said: "I think Florence would welcome him back and everybody would applaud him because he gave a lot to the team and also to the city."

'Wonderful group'
For now, though, the focus is on Mladá Boleslav. Despite his own absence, Frey expects just one result because of the unity in the Fiorentina squad and their commitment to coach Cesare Prandelli. "We're a wonderful group and Prandelli is very important to us. We have always supported him because he is a great coach and a great person." Prandelli will be back on the bench at the Artemio Franchi Stadium after missing the 1-1 draw at AEK Athens FC following the death of his wife.