Rossi boost for Italy and Fiorentina ahead of Cup final

MILAN - Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi could return to the squad in time for the Italian Cup final on Saturday in what would also prove a timely boost for Italy's World Cup campaign.

Rossi only returned for Fiorentina at the start of the season following a lengthy recovery from a knee injury, only to pick up a fresh injury in January.

The Fiorentina striker, who had scored a league-leading tally of 14 goals in 18 games before being sidelined, has been given the all-clear by club medical staff, according to reports in Italy.

However Fiorentina have yet to say whether Rossi or German striker Mario Gomez, who is also recovering from a slight knock to his knee, will be fit in time for Saturday's clash against Napoli in Rome.

Fiorentina will be bidding for their seventh Cup and first since 2001, but coach Vincenzo Montella has injury concerns elsewhere.

Reports suggest goalkeeper Neto (finger) and forwards Borja Valero (knee) and Gonzalo Rodriguez (tonsilitis) are all in a race against time to be fit for Saturday when 28,000 Fiorentina fans are set to descend on the Olympic Stadium.

"He (Neto) is in pain but we have enough time to get him fit," said club doctor Paolo Manetti.

Manetti added: "From a clinical and medical point of view, Giuseppe (Rossi) is fit for selection. In training he's been put through his paces and has basically recovered."

The team doctor said Gomez's selection would come down to Montella.

"The latest scan has shown a slight improvement.... and the player has been doing what he has to this week to be ready in time for Saturday."

Rodriguez, meanwhile, said: "We aim to bring the trophy back to Florence. Napoli are strong and they're the favourites, but we're going to Roma to give our everything and try to win this for our fans."

Asked about Rossi, former Villarreal striker Rodriguez said: "I think he's looking really good and he wants to play."