Fiorentina vs Udinese preview

August 24, 2012
By: Matthew Clarke

Heavily reinforced Fiorentina can make a real statement by beating very good Udinese side at their Artemio Franchi, but that will be no easy job even if the match comes at a bad time for Zebrette.

Last season was an utter disappointment for Viola given that not only did they fail to enter the race for European places, but were involved in the relegation fight instead.

The club chiefs made sure to avoid similar scenario this season, having invested piles of cash into new players this summer.

In came Facundo Roncaglia, Mattia Cassani, Mounir El Hamdaoui, Matias Fernandez, Borja Valero, Alberto Aquilani and David Pizarro, among others, so it is fair to say the whole of Italy is waiting to see how Vincenzo Montella’s side will fare this season.

Fiorentina have got a great chance to kick-off the campaign with a win against tired Udinese, and home win pays 2.15 (23/20) at William Hill.

Emiliano Viviano, Alberto Aquilani and Juan Cuadrado are all injury doubts, but there is every chance all three will be in contention for starting places.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-2): Viviano – Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Nastasic – Cassani, Aquilani, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Pasqual – Jovetic, El Hamdaoui.

Udinese have already become famous for selling star players and replacing them with unproven youngsters year after year, and the Zebrette have once again stayed true to their transfer policy.

Kwadwo Asamoah, Maurizio Isla and Samir Handanovic were all allowed to leave and were replaced by a number of players completely unknown to general public.

That didn’t stop the Friulani from earning a credible 1-1 draw away to Braga in the Champions League play-off first leg, although boss Francesco Guidolin later stated he was not satisfied with the performance shown in that match.

Just three days later Udinese will travel to Artemio Franchi, so no wonder they are 4.10 (31/10) with BetVictor to triumph in Florence.

Luis Muriel remains doubtful with a muscle injury, while Paulo Barreto is a long-term casualty.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-1-1): Brkic – Benatia, Danilo, Domizzi – Basta, Pereyra, Pinzi, Willians, Armero – Fabbrini – Di Natale.

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