Di Livio soldiers on

Loyalty rewarded
Two years ago, the former Italian international agreed to stay in Florence despite the financial collapse of the old AC Fiorentina. Florentia Viola, the successors to Fiorentina restarted life in Serie C2, and Di Livio accepted a substantial salary cut in order to help them return to the top flight.

'Very happy'
The reformed club, now ACF Fiorentina, are back in Serie A and the 'little soldier', who turns 38 on Tuesday, has been rewarded with a new contract until 2005. "I'm very happy to continue my great relationship with Fiorentina and with Florence," he said. "I'm ready to finish my career in the best possible way and I am sure that I will play a great season." Di Livio was capped 42 times by Italy.