Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli is hoping his team continue to surprise him when they host Napoli this weekend.

The Viola have emerged as one of the biggest threats to Inter Milan's hopes of landing a fifth successive Scudetto this season.

They are currently fourth in Serie A, four points behind the table-topping Nerazzurri, while they continue to impress in the Champions League, Tuesday's 4-3 win at Debrecen keeping them in the hunt for qualification from Group E.

Their progress has come as a shock to many observers, with even Prandelli struggling to contain his surprise.

"I did not expect this. I expected the team to be improving, which we are, and to always fight to do better," he said.

"The lads have grown in belief and realised by working hard during the week they can deliver more on match day.

"It's all down to expectation. We had some experience last season and have nothing to lose, so we may as well go for it and play our football."

Fiorentina chief executive Sandro Menucci is another buoyed by their impressive form, adding on Radio KissKiss: "I like the personality of our players.

"I believe that Cesare has found the right blend."

Prandelli's only real headache this season has been how to accommodate all three of his star strikers, Adrian Mutu, Alberto Gilardino and Stevan Jovetic.

Jovetic missed out in midweek but Menucci believes the trio could play together.

"Jovetic, Gilardino and Mutu together? We're a team that attacks a lot but this is a decision which belongs to the coach. However I think they are players that can co-exist in the side.

"We must be careful against Napoli, (Walter) Mazzarri is an excellent coach and the squad was reinforced in the last transfer window.

"They have players who can hurt us at any moment. (Fabio) Quagliarella is one to watch as is (Ezequiel) Lavezzi."

Napoli, in 14th, have been awful away from home this season. They have lost all four matches, conceding 11 goals in the process.

Midfielder Marek Hamsik is hoping his side can improve that record in Florence and build on last weekend's home win over Bologna.

"In Florence we have to have the same character we showed last week," the Slovakia midfielder told Radio Marte.

"Our win on Sunday was important, we had to improve our league standing and we did.

"But it's too early to talk about a turning point because we can expect a tough game this weekend.

"We must not look too far ahead but take each game as it comes."

Hamsik knows Sunday's game will present Napoli with one of their stiffest challenges of the season.

He added: "We will have to replicate the grit and determination which we showed against Bologna.

"We hope to improve our away form and become as strong as we have been at home in recent years."