SCOTT FLEMING

Rangers' semi-final opponents have a recent past positively stuffed with controversy. That could be considered typical of a major club in Serie A, but Cesare Prandelli's team have their own rather distinctive way of doing things.

Under the Brescia-born tactician, the side have become something of a favourite with the neutrals, with an emphasis on good old-fashioned fair play.

After a loss to the league leaders, Internazionale, at their Artemio Franchi stadium in December, Fiorentina's coach and players lined up to applaud the victors off the field in an impromptu gesture more common in rugby union.

The league authorities were so impressed they made it compulsory at the beginning and end of every game this season in Serie A. In addition, Prandelli has refused to criticise officials, with his players following his example.

Their name alone is evidence enough of controversy, though.

The club were victims of their own ambition when they suffered bankruptcy in 2002 and went out of business. A new side was founded under the name Florentia Viola, who fought their way from Serie C2 (the fourth division) to Serie A in just three years (including a peculiar double promotion), regaining their old title of ACF Fiorentina along the way.

It has been an astonishing ascent, but one not without further anguish. Bankrolled by the new owners, Diego and Andrea Delle Valle, they landed ambitious targets Luca Toni and Sebastien Frey for their top-flight return in season 2005/06, and again surprised spectators by landing a fourth-place finish and Champions League qualification.

But one summer further on, the Calciopoli scandal struck, and the club, and the Delle Valles, were implicated in match-fixing.

Fiorentina were initially relegated to Serie B and, though their top-flight status was restored on appeal, the Champions League berth was lost.

The Viola gained their position in this year's UEFA Cup via a fifth-place finish last term, but again there was disappointment, as the side would have claimed the fourth Champions League spot again had they not suffered a 15-point penalty as further Calciopoli punishment.

Walter Smith's men should certainly not expect to encounter a side in mourning, however, or without bite.

The current line-up has an excellent balance between defence and attack, maintaining a good defensive record despite operating a 4-3-3 formation.

Carlos Cuellar and David Weir will need to maintain their recent dominant form to withstand Romanian international forward Adrian Mutu, who has recovered from his own personal controversies to reach the form of his life.

Full-backs Kirk Broadfoot and Sasa Papac should be especially wary of the pace of Martin Jorgensen and Mario Santana.

Integral to Prandelli's system are two young midfielders, Riccardo Montolivo and Serb Zdravko Kuzmanovic, who attack and defend in perfect tandem.

Much has been said of Rangers' conservative style in the competition, but the key to this tie could perhaps lie in attacking Fiorentina's rearguard, as they have suffered a spate of recent injuries which has led to midfielders Massimo Gobbi and Jorgensen operating as full-backs.

It is certainly Rangers' toughest test thus far. Fiorentina have already defeated Rosenberg, Everton and PSV Eindhoven in this year's tournament.

Then again, Rangers can hope that with the Artemio Franchi side in fourth place in Serie A, leaving AC Milan, the most successful side in recent Champions League history, headed for the UEFA Cup, they might be more focused on at long last sealing their place in the Champions League draw.