In spite of four straight defeats, Chievo sit just one point adrift of safety, although they need to end the barren run soon or else they will be in huge problems. Fiorentina, on the other hand, are buoyed by the amazing comeback against Juventus and Viola will fancy their chances of winning at Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi.
No light at the end of the tunnel
Chievo have been flirting with relegation for some five years now, but they have somehow managed to survive in spite of the obvious lack of quality in the ranks. Having already been used to fighting for their lives, the Flying Donkeys rarely succumb to pressure like some other sides and it is the strong performances against relegation rivals that usually prove enough to beat the drop. However, the team are already in problems this term, having picked up just four points from eight league fixtures, and the match against red-hot Fiorentina clearly comes at a bad time. Despite mostly facing bottom table sides of late, Chievo have lost last four league matches, scoring just two goals in the process, so they clearly have little to hope for ahead of the clash with one of league’s strongest sides. Having scored just 6 goals so far, the Flying Donkeys cannot be expected to fare much better against Viola, while preventing one of the best attacks in the league from scoring is likely to prove a mission impossible. With games against Roma, Bologna and Milan next, it looks as though Chievo will not be leaving the bottom three any time soon.
Important players Luca Rigoni and Gennaro Sardo are suspended, whereas Dario Dainelli, Alessio Sestu, Adrian Callelo and Alessandro Bernardini are out injured.
Back in business
A big squad of quality players is a must if a team are hoping to do well in several competitions and it is the big strength in depth that is proving to be quite an asset for Fiorentina this term. Many believed that injury to star striker Mario Gomez would take the wind out of their sails, especially as Giuseppe Rossi had only just returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but the entire team did their part in compensating for the true world-class striker. Vincenzo Montella was even forced to change his formation to accommodate Joaquin Sanchez and it was the Spaniard who largely impressed of late despite mostly been restricted to substitute appearances in the opening exchanges. The 4-2 victory over arch rivals Juventus, the first after 15 years, was a perfect proof of team’s quality, character and togetherness, as Viola managed to come from two goals down and record a 4-2 triumph over arguably one of the strongest teams in Europe and the one that went on to outclass Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu. With the second string side also impressing in midweek against Pandurii, Fiorentina have got to be considered hot favourites to defeat sorry Chievo.
Josip Ilicic, Massimo Ambrosini, Ante Rebic, Mario Gomez and Ahmed Hegazy remain in the infirmary, but a number of starters will be recalled after they were rested in midweek.
Verdict
Chievo not only lack the quality to match in-form Fiorentina, but they are going through a very rough patch at the moment and have a number of important players missing. This should make the job even easier for Viola, a team that are playing with a lot of confidence at the moment.
Top pick: Away win 2.05 (21/20) @ Betfred
Alternative pick 1: Fiorentina/Fiorentina 3.40 (12/5) @ Paddy Power
Alternative pick 2: Rossi to score 2.60 (8/5) @ 888sport