Zoff: Gomez the signing of the summer

The former Italy boss is a big admirer of the Germany international, even if he does not feel that the striker will be able to lead the Viola past the Bianconeri

Dino Zoff believes that Fiorentina have pulled off the biggest transfer coup of the summer in signing Mario Gomez from Bayern Munich.

The Viola have paid a reported €16 million for a player who scored 75 times in 115 Bundesliga appearances for the Bavarians. Consequently, Zoff feels that it is very much a case of money well spent.

"The best signing of the market has been made by Fiorentina," the goalkeepering legend told TuttoJuve.com. "I like Mario Gomez a lot and he is a player of great international importance.

"His arrival in Italy with [Carlos] Tevez and [Gonzalo] Higuain represents a reversal of the recent trend [of top players leaving Italy]. They are great players that will help improve our football."

The former Italy boss is also envisaging a titanic tussle for the title this term, even though he still feels that Juventus will make it three titles in a row.

"Because of way they in which they have operated within the transfer window, Juventus, Fiorentina and Napoli are the Scudetto contenders," the 71-year-old reasoned.

"Inter and Milan will challenge, but I see them behind them behind the others.

"The Bianconeri, in particular, are the strongest team, and will certainly step up and are again the team to beat this year.

"The Viola and the Azzurri [Napoli] have closed the gap to the Bianconeri, but Conte's team is still currently a step above the others."

Juventus finished nine points clear of Napoli last season, with Fiorentina a further eight points adrift, in fourth.