Danger Still Not ClearAt long last Fiorentina appear to have recovered some of their form but things are not yet secure. The Viola are still hovering near the relegation zone, as they have nine points from as many games – just one more than third-from-bottom Cesena.
Sinisa Mihajlovic’s side, though, are unbeaten in their last three matches in all competitions, although they should have done better than just draw 0-0 with Catania in the league away from home last season.
Nevertheless, taking on Chievo on their own ground at the weekend will make them feel confident. The Viola have won their last two matches at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, defeating Bari 2-1 in Serie A and then getting the better of Empoli in a Coppa Italia tie.
Donkeys Continue To FlyChievo are rapidly becoming this season’s surprise package in Serie A as their form refuse to take a dip towards the south. At the moment Ceo are seventh in the league standings with 14 points from nine matches, just one behind fourth-placed Juventus.
The Flying Donkeys are unbeaten in all competitions since their 3-1 defeat to Milan in mid-October. They bounced back from that defeat with a 2-1 win against Cesena in Verona, then got past the Sassuolo challenge in the Coppa Italia and drew 0-0 with Parma last weekend.
Nevertheless, Stefano Pioli is probably thinking of securing safety first, which means that Chievo will try to reach the 40-point mark. Which, in turn, means that they will have to carry on winning. Chievo have looked good away from home in the league so far, having won twice and scoring seven goals.
TEAM NEWS
FiorentinaJovetic, D'Agostino, Zanetti, Felipe, Vargas and Frey are injured for the Viola, who also have Natali suspendd.
ChievoLuciano and Pellissier are unavailable for the trip to Florence because of injuries while Fernandes is suspended.
Last Five MatchesFiorentinaCatania 0:0 Fiorentina
Fiorentina 1:0 Empoli
Fiorentina 2:1 Bari
Sampdoria 2:1 Fiorentina
Fiorentina 1:2 Palermo
ChievoParma 0:0 Chievo
Chievo 2:0 Sassuolo
Chievo 2:1 Cesena
Milan 3:1 Chievo
Chievo 0:0 CagliarI
Players to WatchAdrian MutuMutu returned from a long-term suspension last weekend but couldn’t really gel. Against Chievo the Romanian forward will start alongside Gilardino in attack and will strive to recapture his old form again.
Stefano SorrentinoSorrentino will have to be aware between the sticks all the time for Chievo as Muti and Gilardino both will come at him. Chievo are doing very well in Serie A so far but they cannot afford any slip-ups at the back.
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