Prandelli praises Shaarawy, Fiorentina

AC Milan v Malaga CF - UEFA Champions League

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 06: Stephan El Shaarawy of AC Milan looks on during the UEFA Champions League group C match between AC Milan and Malaga CF at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 6, 2012 in Milan, Italy.

Rome, Nov 12 – Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli admitted that he had been “pleasantly surprised” by Stephan El Shaarawy and Fiorentina.

Prandelli named his squad to face France in a friendly to be held at the Stadio Tardini in Parma Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

Milan striker and Serie A top scorer El Shaarawy is widely expected to be in the side, as he was not called up for Under-21 duty this week.

“El Shaarawy is a young lad who is surprising everyone,” Prandelli was quoted by football-italia.net as saying.

“He has been able to bring quality to football and also done very well in terms of scoring goals.

“Fiorentina are the big surprise of the season so far, as Vincenzo Montella has given them a style of play that is attacking, entertaining and effective.

“I am happy for everyone in Florence,” added the former Viola boss.