Fiorentina share Prandelli's pain

Fiorentina's plans for the season have been put on hold after coach Cesare Prandelli's wife, Manuela, died at the age of 45 after a long illness.

An official statement read: "Fiorentina, the president, the board of directors, the team and all the staff share the immense pain of Cesare Prandelli's family following the death of Manuela."

The 50-year-old was replaced by his assistant, Gabriele Pin, for the 0-0 draw at Reggina in Serie A on Sunday.

In 2004, the coach resigned from his new post at Roma just before the start of the season in order to be close to his wife who was diagnosed with cancer.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday near the Prandelli family home in Orzinuovi, near Brescia.

Fiorentina visit AEK Athens in the UEFA Cup on Thursday.

Source: Reuters / UEFA