Giuseppe Rossi has been in sensational form in the early stages of the season, but Fiorentina claim the striker is only 70 percent fit.
The Italian international has returned to action this term after the best part of two years out with injury, and he is reminding the world of his undoubted talent. Rossi had perhaps the game of his career on Sunday, when he scored a second-half hat-trick as the Viola came back from 2-0 down to beat Juventus 4-2.
This took his tally to eight goals in as many Serie A matches, and nine in nine in all competitions, meaning he is well on course for his best season yet. And Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade has sent a chilling message to rival clubs, by insisting that the 26-year-old isn’t even playing at full fitness yet.
“Giuseppe Rossi is still not in the best shape, he can still improve a lot,” the official told Radio Anch’io Lo Sport on Monday. “But we are very proud of him, he is not even at 70 per cent and he is already decisive. He’s still a bit behind physically.”
Rossi, who has endured anterior cruciate ligament damage to his right knee, grew up in the youth ranks at Parma before heading to England and Manchester United in 2004. The American-born forward was never really given a chance at Old Trafford, and after loan spells at Newcastle United and back at Parma, he joined Villarreal in 2007.
He spent six years at the Spanish club which, aside from his injury problems, were successful enough to earn interest from a host of clubs including Barcelona. But it was Fiorentina who took a chance on him when they forked out €10million for his signature in the summer, and such a fee is already looking a bargain.
