Fiorentina vs Empoli preview - Rodriguez happy with form

Posted Saturday, December 20, 2014 by PA

Fiorentina defender Gonzalo Rodriguez has urged his side to continue their good run of form when they take on Tuscan neighbours Empoli on Sunday.

The Viola head into the contest at the Artemio Franchi stadium in eighth place, just three points behind Sampdoria, who hold the last European qualifying spot.

Last weekend's 4-1 triumph at Cesena was Fiorentina's third win in their last four league games.

"In the past few weeks we have shown the real Fiorentina," Rodriguez told the Italian media. "A team that in the past two years has displayed good football.

"We are delighted with our good run of form.

"Against Empoli we cannot fail. It's our last game of the year and we are playing at home.

"We want to do well for our fans."

Vincenzo Montella's men have looked sharp in attack, scoring eight goals in their last three league games.

Fiorentina have plenty to look forward to in 2015, including a Europa League last-32 tie with Tottenham.

"They are a difficult team to face," Montella said. "But sooner or later we would have had to come up against a strong team.

"Tottenham have a lot of quality, especially in midfield.

"But I know my players and, as always, they will give their best."

Newly-promoted Empoli travel to Florence looking to extend their unbeaten run to five games.

Last weekend's goalless draw against Torino lifted Empoli in 14th place, four points clear of the drop zone.

They have failed to score in two of their last three games and coach Maurizio Sarri hopes his players can make the most of their chances against Fiorentina.

"We had seven or eight goalscoring opportunities against Torino and we didn't put a single one away," Sarri said. "We must do better."

The visitors are without Uruguay midfielder Matias Vecino, who is suspended, but are hoping to recover defender Lorenzo Tonelli, who is struggling with a muscular problem.

Fiorentina will be bolstered by the return of Colombian midfielder Juan Cuadrado, who served a one-match ban at Cesena.