Amoruso: torn between two lovers

The Italian spent six years, from 1997, at Rangers, winning three titles, four Scottish Cups and three league cups. Tuscany, though, grips Amoruso. The Italian press are heartily embraced with the enthusiasm of a southern Italian who has left his Bari roots behind but accepts that the laudable lack of sophistication of the region will always remain in the heart.

There is a simplicity to Amoruso. This is not a criticism. He is open to conversation, though his comments can be guarded. He is generous with his time, if not too free when dispensing controversy.

When asked who will triumph in the second leg of the UEFA Cup semi-final between Rangers and Fiorentina, the big man replies: "It is difficult. My heart is with both teams. I loved my time in Glasgow, the triumphs and the great victories. Rangers will always be special to me. But I love Fiorentina, too."

This tells us much about Amoruso, if little about the likely outcome of the game. He talks enthusiastically, but with a realisation that his words will be broadcast to both sides of the divide. He is a hero with both Rangers fans and the tifosi of Fiorentina. The big man does not want that to change.

He is as warm in private conversation as he is when he addresses an adoring public. Or at least, a public Amoruso believes adores him. The former Bari, Mantuva, Pescara and Fiorentina player now plays part-time for SS Cosmos, a San Marino side, as he approaches his 37th birthday.

On the Saturday before he travelled down to watch Fiorentina play Sampdoria, I caught up with him as he prepared for a match. Many footballers would have decided that this was not the time to talk. Gratifyingly, Amoruso was polite, considerate. And talkative, always talkative.

He is acutely aware of the history and the aspirations of both Fiorentina and Rangers. "How big a game is this?" he asks rhetorically of tomorrow night's match in the Stadio Franchi. "It is very important. Fiorentina want a Champions League place, but this would be a great victory for them. For Rangers to reach a European final would be a massive, massive thing.

"Both sides are very similar," he says. "They have great spirit. Fiorentina are compact, united. Their players complement one another. They work very hard and have a great spirit. Rangers are like that, too. There is little between the teams."

Amoruso loves the term legend. He laughs when it is put to him that he captured the hearts of many Rangers fans. It is as if one has just tickled his tummy. But is there a real chance for someone to become a legend tomorrow night?

"Absolutely," he enthuses, visibly excited at any talk of heroes. "This is a close game. One goal, one shot and you will be in the hearts of the fans forever for either side. There will be a search for a hero on Thursday."

When prompted, Amoruso can be an engaging, perceptive observer of the game. He watched the first leg at Ibrox and was impressed by the way Rangers closed down space, particularly when Adrian Mutu, the Fiorentina playmaker, was facing goal. He appreciated this "tight" Rangers defence in the face of tentative Viola aggression.

The strong feeling here is that Cesare Prandelli will send out his side with a more attacking gameplan and that a place in the final is within Fiorentina's grasp. However, Amoruso has cautioned his countrymen that the tie is far from over.

"I was disappointed with Fiorentina in the first leg because they showed a lack of desire and looked tired," he says. "But Fiorentina have an advantage. They have played better at home than away in Europe this season and they will be confident they can win, but Prandelli will also be aware Rangers have performed better on the road as well.

"Rangers, too, will be stronger on Thursday. Walter Smith has Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson back so he has a better chance of attacking. Rangers' attitude was very good, their spirit was excellent in the first leg but Barry will make a difference. Rangers' midfield could not do much last week."

So is it a match-up between Ferguson and Mutu? "Not really,"

he says. "They play in different areas with Mutu playing up front or just off the striker and Barry being a conventional midfielder. They are, though, the best, most dangerous players in their teams.

"They are very influential. But this is a game when one goal may be enough. The person who supplies that will be the hero."

Amoruso then lapses into diplomacy when asked for a prediction. "I have always said this is a 50-50 tie, even now after the draw in Glasgow," he says. "That result will not have disappointed Walter too much. The game was very disappointing, maybe, for the fan. But both coaches will be all right about it. Fiorentina now have their fans to give them some spirit."

He pinpointed what could be the decisive factor. "Both teams are very tired. You saw that in the second half at Ibrox," he says. "It may down to who has the legs. That simple."

Amoruso still has a surfeit of energy. As well as playing part-time, he works as a radio and television commentator. He has also just completed his coaching badges.

So would he like to coach full-time? "Very much so," he says. "I have a lot of experiences I can pass on."

What about coaching in Scotland? "If Rangers will give me a chance that would be wonderful. Yes, that would be something," he laughs.

"I would love to go back to Glasgow as I have so many great memories there, so many good times with Rangers."

Later, I walk through the old city of Florence to Piazza Ghiberti where Amoruso has a share in a restaurant, Semolina. It is not a shrine to football. There is a Fiorentina scarf but no full-length statues of Amoruso, not even a photograph.

It has a modern ambience with traditional Italian cooking. For a moment, I forget about Lorenzo. Then I hear West of Scotland voices. They are talking about the Big Man.

Lorenzo Amoruso, a legend in everybody else's dinner time.