Fiorentina captain German Pezzella has confirmed he turned down an offer from AC Milan over the summer.

The Viola meet Milan later tonight.

“I did receive an offer from Milan this summer, and I was tempted, but I was pushed to continue my experience in Florence because I wanted to cancel out the disappointment of last season," Pezzella told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I didn't want to have my name linked to a sad period for Florence and the Viola fans."

He added: “I am surprised to see Milan so low down the table, as it doesn't reflect the quality of the squad. They are struggling, but I wouldn't call it a crisis.

“We must go to San Siro aiming to win and do it by remaining faithful to our style of football and having fun. I consider Alessio Romagnoli to be the best Italian defender after Giorgio Chiellini."