Rossi: Fiorentina to launch Scudetto challenge

The Azzurri star believes Serie A will be a lot tighter at the top this year and that his side will be part of the group hoping to end Juventus' recent dominance.

Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi says his team has set its sights on winning the Serie A title this term.

Rossi, who joined the Viola from Villarreal in January for an undisclosed fee, feels the 2013-14 campaign will see several sides competing for silverware in Italy's top flight - which Juventus won this year for the second successive season.

The forward insists Vincenzo Montella's outfit will be one of the challengers, having strengthened the squad this summer with the acquisition of stars such as Mario Gomez, Josip Illicic, Massimo Ambrosini and Joaquin.

"It will be a very balanced championship this term," the 26-year-old told Marca. "I’m sure it will be an interesting season.

"It won’t just be Juventus, Inter and Milan who will be going for the Scudetto. Fiorentina, Napoli and Roma have built strong sides who can beat each other in direct games. That’s why I believe that we will be in a position to compete for the title right until the very end."

Fiorentina will kick off the new campaign with a match against Catania on Aug. 25 at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.