Former Italy coach Marcello Lippi believes Fiorentina can sustain their title challenge.

The Viola are outright leaders of Serie A this week.

“Fiorentina? They're a team that I like," Lippi told Radio 2. “They're a good squad of young players, with a Coach [Paulo Sousa] and club capable of keeping the team at the top.

“Sousa? I had him as a player [at Juventus], and we always talked about attacking the opponent's midfield, and he's brought that to his team, which is aggressive and has a clear idea of how to play.

“[Former Coach Vincenzo] Montella's work also counts, their ability to dribble comes from three years of work done with him.

“I think they're here to stay, because they're young and well-coached."