PRANDELLI PLEASED TO BE BACK

Prandelli - pleased to qualify.

Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli is relieved the wait is over as his team will finally compete in the Champions League after an eight-year absence.

The Serie A outfit have joined Italian sides Inter Milan, Roma and Juventus in Europes elite club competition after a 0-0 draw at Slavia Prague saw them complete a 2-0 aggregate win.

"For three years we have merited the Champions League, and now we are here," said a delighted Prandelli.

"It was crucial for us to progress and we truly deserved it.

"We played a great first half where we could have scored then we suffered a little bit. But regarding character and temperament, the team has gone well."

Fiorentina edged AC Milan to finish fourth in Serie A last season.