Davide Astori was officially unveiled as a Fiorentina player today, with Viola sporting director Daniele Pradè there to introduce him. “We’ve signed a strong, professional, dependable player who knows all about putting the hard yards in,” Pradè declared to the assembled press. Astori himself then explained his reasons for choosing Florence: “At Fiorentina everything in place for success: we have a great coaching team and a solid group. The Napoli link was just a summer thing – that’s over now.” The defender was then asked if he was ready for the expectation of the Viola faithful: “It doesn’t faze me. The club has some high ambitions and I think the results my new team-mates have achieved over the summer show I’ve made the right decision.” Asked whether Paulo Sousa’s playing system might force him to adapt him game, Astori replied: “I don’t think so, I’m happy in either a three-man or four-man defence. Having two defensive midfielders in front of the defence helps to create a link with the midfield proper. Sousa is a very charismatic manager and will bring a European flavour to the Italian league.” Finally, Astori explained his choice of shirt number and spoke of his ambitions for the national side: “I chose No. 13, because that’s the number I wore at Cagliari. In terms of the Italian national team, I have a great relationship with Antonio Conte and would like to earn myself a spot with the Azzurri.” ]]>