Fiorentina vs Hellas Verona preview - Montella wary of Hellas threat

Posted Monday, December 02, 2013 by PA

Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella expects a very difficult game against Hellas Verona on Monday evening.

The Viola go into the encounter at the Artemio Franchi Stadium looking to return to winning ways after a 1-0 defeat at Udinese last weekend.

That was then followed by Thursday's goalless draw at Pacos Ferreira in the Europa League.

Not only does Montella want to claim victory but he is also looking to do it in style.

"We want to try to win while playing good football," Montella told www.acffiorentina.it.

"We have to get back on the right path.

"Against Udinese, we weren't sharp enough and that cost us.

"We can expect a challenge on Monday as Hellas is a team that is full of enthusiasm.

"They play with joy and have a lot of quality.

"They are a side that always tries to play its style regardless of where they play."

Fiorentina have lost just once at home this season and are fifth in the standings with 23 points from 13 games.

Giuseppe Rossi, who was rested in midweek with his team having already assured themselves of a place in the last 32 of the Europa League, will lead Fiorentina's attack.

Rossi is Serie A's top scorer with 11 goals, three more than Torino's Alessio Cerci.

Rivals Hellas travel to Tuscany having seen their perfect record at home come to an end in last weekend's 1-0 derby defeat to Chievo.

A late goal from Dejan Lazarevic stunned Hellas and saw them fall to their second straight loss.

"We didn't do enough to win the game and although a draw would have been a fair result, we have to accept this and move on," Hellas coach Andrea Mandorlini said.

"We have another important game on Monday and we need to prepare in the best possible way for the encounter at Fiorentina."

The Verona outfit is sixth in the standings and has won just once on the road this season, a 4-1 triumph at Bologna on October 6.

The Viola will be hoping to recover left-back Manuel Pasqual, who is doubtful with a left thigh injury sustained in training.