Serie A Preview: Fiorentina - Inter

Posted Friday, April 09, 2010 by Goal.com

La Beneamata will hope to extend their lead at the top of the table.....

Kick Off: Saturday, April 10, 2010, 20:45 CET.
Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence.

Champions League Or Europa League

Fiorentina had finished in the top four in Serie A for the past couple of seasons but this campaign things are looking precarious for them. At the moment la Viola are eighth in Serie A with 45 points from 32 matches.

Cesare Prandelli's side are four points off a Europa League place and six off a Champions League spot. Fiorentina were held to a 1-1 draw by mid-table side Parma last weekend and the Florence-based side have to see that they do not drop points in such games.

However, Fiorentina have quite a good record at home as they have won nine league fixtures in front of their own supporters and will go into the game against Inter with confidence.

Recovery In Full Swing

Inter appeared to be stuttering in Serie A recently when they allowed a massive 11-point lead to get trimmed down to just one. Indeed, at the moment the Nerazzurri have 66 points from 32 matches and are just a solitary point ahead of Roma in pole position.

However, Jose Mourinho's side have shown signs of recovery in the past couple of weeks or so. Inter have won their last three matches in all competitions and that includes a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Bologna at home last weekend in Serie A.

Inter, though, haven't always looked very comfortable on the road as they have lost four league fixtures on their travels. Therefore, they will be wary of making any mistake against a Champions League spot-chasing Fiorentina in Florence on Saturday night.

FORM GUIDE

Fiorentina

April 3 v Parma (A) - DREW 1-1 (Serie A)

March 28 v Udinese (H) - WON 4-1 (Serie A)
March 24 v Catania (A) - LOST 1-0 (Serie A)

March 20 v Genoa (H) - WON 3-0 (Serie A)

March 13 v Napoli (A) - WON 3-1 (Serie A

Inter

April 6 v CSKA Moscow (A) - WON 1-0 (Champions League)

April 3 v Bologna (H) - WON 3-0 (Serie A)
March 31 v CSKA Moscow (H) - WON 1-0 (Champions League)

March 27 v Roma (A) - LOST 2-1 (Serie A)

March 24 v Livorno (H) - WON 3-0 (Serie A)

TEAM NEWS

Fiorentina

Gamberini and Avramov are out while Marchionni, Vargas, Comotto and Zanetti are reportedly struggling.

Probable Lineup (4-4-1-1): Frey, Comotto, Kroldrup, Felipe, Gobbi; Santana, Bolatti, Montolivo, Vargas; Jovetic; Gilardino

Inter

Santon, Motta and Toldo are unavailable for the trip to Florence while Chivu is struggling for fitness.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Chivu; Zanetti, Cambiasso; Balotelli, Sneijder, Eto'o; Milito

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Steven Jovetic (Fiorentina)

The 20-year-old will be the key player for la Viola on Saturday night as he will attempt to unlock a miser Inter defence. The Nerazzurri have a brilliant defensive record in Serie A and it needs something special to break them down. For Fiorentina, Jovetic is that special player who can do the damage.

Wesley Sneijder (Inter)

The Inter creative midfielder won the game against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League in midweek and he will again be shouldering the task of creating from the midfield. Sneijder, placed at 147 in the Castrol Rankings, has been a major player in Inter's season so far and he will be trying to extend his good run of form on Saturday night.

PREDICTION

Fiorentina have a good home record but Inter have improved in recent times in Serie A and are looking imperious again. It will not be easy for Jose Mourinho's side in Florence but their momentum should help them get the maximum points they want.

Fiorentina 1-2 Inter