The Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence will be the spot for Sunday’s early kick off, as Fiorentina meet Atalanta in a clash between two Serie A sides both striving for all three points.
Viola coach Vincenzo Montella and his counterpart Stefano Colantuono will each be looking to continue the recent momentum of their clubs, even if their ultimate objectives are completely different.
Fiorentina is coming into this match on the heels of a huge midweek Coppa Italia victory, beating Roma 2-0 on Tuesday. They haven’t lost since a 1-0 defeat against Parma on January 6.
Atalanta also enters the match riding the momentum of a victory. They worked extremely hard for all 90 minutes against Genoa on Sunday, and it was rewarded with an 88th minute match-winner and all three points.
Both of these clubs now clearly have their season’s objectives laid out right in front of them. If Fiorentina, who sit sixth, can maintain form, they’ve got a very good chance at a spot in European play next season. Atalanta, currently 15th on the Serie A table, now hope to work their way comfortably out of the relegation zone after spending some time there this season.
The Viola will have several of their problems solved by Sunday. Gonzalo Rodriguez , who missed the Coppa Italia match due to fatigue, should be completely recovered. Newest addition Mohamed Salah, on loan from Chelsea, will likely not be an option, however, as he waits for his transfer paperwork to be completed.
All in all, Colantuono is expected to name a similar line-up to that which won against Cagliari, the only change is likely to be on the right side of the back four, with Yohan Benalouane instead of Gianpaolo Bellini.
Form Guide: Fiorentina (W-W-D-D-W) Atalanta (D-D-W-L-W)
Expected Starting XIs
Fiorentina: Tatarusanu, Savic, Gonzalo, Basanta, Joaquin, Fernandez, Aquilani, Borja Valero, Alonso; Diamanti, Gomez.
Atalanta: Sportiello, Benalouane, Biava, Stendardo, Del Grosso, Zappacosta, Carmona, Cigarini, Moralez, Pinilla, Denis.
