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Serie A Week 31 - 30/3/08 (14.00 UK)
Udinese - Fiorentina
Stadio Friuli
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Fiorentina need a win as they meet in-form Udinese at the Stadio Friuli in Week 31. The Viola are in fourth place and are clearly aiming for Champions League qualification, while the Bianconeri are two positions behind hoping to win a place in the UEFA Cup.
Last week’s round was positive for both teams. The Tuscans were successful against Lazio, while the Friulani comfortably beat Livorno. Last year’s corresponding tie ended 1-0 in favour of the locals, while in Week 12 Fiorentina suffered a 2-1 home defeat. This will be the perfect chance for them to take revenge.
The Bianconeri are flying high and should have no problems in qualifying for Europe. However, Sampdoria are just one point behind which means the Zebrette cannot really afford any slip-ups. “We are in really good shape,” said boss Pasquale Marino. “This game against Fiorentina will be fundamental for us.”
The Viola are looking to manage their four-point advantage over Milan, but things could get complicated in the coming weeks given the imminent UEFA Cup quarter-finals. “It will be difficult to win in Udine and we will be missing Adrian Mutu and Fabio Liverani,” noted Coach Cesare Prandelli.
Udinese are one of Serie A’s most entertaining sides thanks to Marino’s attacking mentality. The Bianconeri will play with a 3-4-3 system and their boss should name an unchanged formation this week. Cristian Zapata and Asamoah Gyan are still out injured.
Andrea Coda could be preferred in defence to Tomas Zapotocny. Giandomenico Mesto and Andrea Dossena will play wide on the flanks. The locals’ trident should be formed by Toto Di Natale, Simone Pepe and Fabio Quagliarella.
Prandelli isn’t afraid of Marino’s tactics and should line-up with a 4-3-3 formation. However, there is bad news for the Viola. The injuries of Alessandro Gamberini, Martin Jorgensen and Franco Semioli are added to by the suspensions of Mutu and Liverani.
Sebastien Frey should take the gloves despite not being 100 per cent fit. Per Kroldrup may start in defence, while one from Manuel Pasqual and Massimo Gobbi should cover the left-back role. Pablo Osvaldo will replace Mutu in attack.
Keep an eye on: Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina) – The former Atalanta striker scored the winner against Lazio last Saturday. Pazzo is still hoping to convince Italy boss Roberto Donadoni to take him to Euro ’08.
Last season: Udinese 1-0 Fiorentina
Form guide: Udinese (W D D W W) Fiorentina (W L W L W)
Serie A Week 31 - 30/3/08 (14.00 UK)
Udinese - Fiorentina
Stadio Friuli
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiorentina need a win as they meet in-form Udinese at the Stadio Friuli in Week 31. The Viola are in fourth place and are clearly aiming for Champions League qualification, while the Bianconeri are two positions behind hoping to win a place in the UEFA Cup.
Last week’s round was positive for both teams. The Tuscans were successful against Lazio, while the Friulani comfortably beat Livorno. Last year’s corresponding tie ended 1-0 in favour of the locals, while in Week 12 Fiorentina suffered a 2-1 home defeat. This will be the perfect chance for them to take revenge.
The Bianconeri are flying high and should have no problems in qualifying for Europe. However, Sampdoria are just one point behind which means the Zebrette cannot really afford any slip-ups. “We are in really good shape,” said boss Pasquale Marino. “This game against Fiorentina will be fundamental for us.”
The Viola are looking to manage their four-point advantage over Milan, but things could get complicated in the coming weeks given the imminent UEFA Cup quarter-finals. “It will be difficult to win in Udine and we will be missing Adrian Mutu and Fabio Liverani,” noted Coach Cesare Prandelli.
Udinese are one of Serie A’s most entertaining sides thanks to Marino’s attacking mentality. The Bianconeri will play with a 3-4-3 system and their boss should name an unchanged formation this week. Cristian Zapata and Asamoah Gyan are still out injured.
Andrea Coda could be preferred in defence to Tomas Zapotocny. Giandomenico Mesto and Andrea Dossena will play wide on the flanks. The locals’ trident should be formed by Toto Di Natale, Simone Pepe and Fabio Quagliarella.
Prandelli isn’t afraid of Marino’s tactics and should line-up with a 4-3-3 formation. However, there is bad news for the Viola. The injuries of Alessandro Gamberini, Martin Jorgensen and Franco Semioli are added to by the suspensions of Mutu and Liverani.
Sebastien Frey should take the gloves despite not being 100 per cent fit. Per Kroldrup may start in defence, while one from Manuel Pasqual and Massimo Gobbi should cover the left-back role. Pablo Osvaldo will replace Mutu in attack.
Keep an eye on: Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina) – The former Atalanta striker scored the winner against Lazio last Saturday. Pazzo is still hoping to convince Italy boss Roberto Donadoni to take him to Euro ’08.
Last season: Udinese 1-0 Fiorentina
Form guide: Udinese (W D D W W) Fiorentina (W L W L W)