Fiorentina vs Juventus preview - Amauri vows to end drought

Posted Saturday, March 17, 2012 by PA

Fiorentina striker Amauri is hoping to end his goalscoring drought when the Viola host his former club Juventus.

The Brazilian joined the Tuscan outfit in the January transfer window after being frozen out of the Juve squad following the arrival of coach Antonio Conte at the Turin giants last summer.

With Fiorentina's top scorer Stevan Jovetic doubtful for the encounter with a muscular problem, Amauri is set to lead his team forward.

The 31-year-old striker has made 12 Serie A appearances for Fiorentina this season but has yet to find the target.

"The important thing is that I return to score and that Fiorentina wins," Amauri said.

"I'm hoping I will end the drought as soon as possible.

"It has been a long time since I suffered a long spell without scoring but this will only give me more motivation to find the back of the net."

Amauri knows his side will have to step up their game if they are to surprise unbeaten Juventus.

Fiorentina lost 1-0 at Catania last time out and lie 15th in the standings, seven points clear of the drop zone.

"We cannot give up," Amauri said.

"We must transform the bitterness we felt after our loss at Catania with positive energy to beat Juventus.

"We know that Juve are strong but they can expect a fiery atmosphere in Florence."

With just one win collected in their last seven league games and Serie A leaders AC Milan showing no signs of slowing down, Juventus cannot afford any further slips.

Last weekend's controversial goalless result at Genoa left Juve in second place, four points behind Milan with 11 games remaining.

The Turin giants travel to the Artemio Franchi stadium still licking their wounds after last weekend the referee disallowed Simone Pepe's goal for a highly dubious offside.

Juve imposed a media silence this week as a sign to protest for refereeing mistakes.

Conte will have all of his players available with the exception of injured defender Andrea Barzagli. Fiorentina welcome back defender Matija Nastasic from suspension.