Fiorentina v Palermo – Preview: Rosanero desperate for points against faltering Viola

Date: 7th May 2016 at 10:00am
Written by:

palermo fiorentinaPalermo visit Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday afternoon, desperate for a victory in order keep their Serie A hopes alive.

Davide Ballardini’s men come into the match from two consecutive 2-0 wins, against Frosinone and last weekend against Sampdoria, that have reignited their chances of survival. President Maurizio Zamparini’s constant changing of coach has led to a sense of unrest among the squad, but the Rosanero have two games to allow themselves to push the reset button for next season and start fresh.

Fiorentina meanwhile, are marred in one of the worst stretches of form in the league, having picked up a mere eight points over their last 10 games. In the first half of the season the side were fighting for the Scudetto, but in the second half Paulo Sousa’s men have fallen completely off the pace, managing just one point per match during the stretch which puts them in the bottom three. The result is a probable fifth-place finish, a disappointment after the early-season promise. The Viola are coming off an improved performance against Chievo, but could only manage a 0-0 draw.

The first encounter between the two sides took place back in January, the Viola dominating to take all three points in a 3-1 victory, thanks to a Josip Ilicic double, whilst last time they met in Florence during the 2014-2015 season, the match ended with and incredible 4-3 to Fiorentina, despite a strong performance from the visitors.

Sporticos

The apparent lack of motivation that has befallen Fiorentina has lead to a sense of unease amongst the fanbase, but Sousa will be hoping that a strong performance at home will better the situation slightly. Without the injured Matias Vecino and the banned Nenad Tomovic, Borja Valero will play in the middle alongside Milan Badelj, and Facundo Roncaglia will start at the back. Also Khouma Babacar is sidelined with an injury, meaning Nikola Kalinic is sure to start in his place up front.

Palermo will be looking for a win at all costs, as their battle with Carpi and Frosinone for the crucial 17th spot is now in its decisive phase. With an entire roster at his disposal, Ballardini will reaffirm a starting lineup that has won the last two games. Enzo Maresca will be in the middle again, with Alberto Gilardino confirmed up front alongside Robin Quaison. The main point of attack will come through Franco Vazquez.

Form Guide: Fiorentina (L-W-L-L-D) Palermo (L-L-D-W-W)

Expected starting XIs:

Fiorentina: Tatarusanu; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Astori; Tello, Badelj, Borja Valero, Alonso; Ilicic, Bernardeschi; Kalinic.

Palermo: Sorrentino; Goldaniga, Gonzalez, Andelkovic; Rispoli, Hiljemark, Maresca, Morganella; Vazquez; Quaison, Gilardino

Infographic source: www.sporticos.com

 

Comments are closed.