Angelo di Livio has sung the praises of Fiorentina this season.

The former Italy midfielder says the Viola can be happy with the first-half of the season.

Di Livio told Firenzeviola.it: "Fiorentina had an excellent first round and, despite making a few mistakes like the one at home against Empoli, the team is proving to be one of the surprises of this championship.

"They must continue like this and must believe in it because direct competitors such as Roma, Napoli, and I'll also include Milan, who are not doing very well.

"Fiorentina continues to have players like (Jack) Bonaventura and Nico Gonzalez that they can't do without. But I think that the most important aspect is the organisation of the game of (Vincenzo) Italiano, which is the thing that makes the most difference."

Asked if Italiano will leave this summer, Di Livio added: "These are situations that the coach and the club will have to evaluate. They will understand if the path has come to an end or if there are the conditions to continue working together. However, I think a lot will depend on the results that Fiorentina manages to achieve at the end of the season."