Fiorentina angered by Manchester United swoop for Pierluigi Gollini

Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino has taken a swipe at Manchester United for convincing Italy Under-17 goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini to leave the Tuscan outfit for Old Trafford.

Gollini revealed today he had accepted an offer to join United's academy.

Corvino says even more of his youngsters were targeted by clubs in England but elected to remain with the Viola.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino has taken into consideration the comments made by player Pierluigi Gollini and is surprised by his decision.

"He takes the opportunity to thank players (Niccolo) Fazzi, (Saverio) Madrigali, (Leonardo) Capezzi, (Federico) Bernardeschi and (Luca) Lezzerini, who have decided to remain with the Viola club, not being lured by false illusions of English sirens in recent days.

"Of the 150 players that have decided to go abroad, no-one has been able to earn a place in the first team."

Italian defender Michele Fornasier joined United in 2009 from Fiorentina's youth section.