Chievo managed to arrest the five-match losing run as they beat Sampdoria at home, and they now aim to record the second win in a row. That is easier said than done when we know that in-form Fiorentina will be on the other side, with Viola looking to further close the gap behind European places.

Finally a win

Cheivo Verona did well to finish the previous Serie A campaign in the top half of the standings, but having failed to sign proper replacements for key players Michael Bradley and Francesco Acerbi, who joined Roma and Milan respectively, the Flying Donkeys were always going to experience more problems this season. Opening win over Bologna hinted that might not be the case, but five straight defeats that followed nominated Chievo as one of the main candidates for the drop. Boss Domenico Di Carlo took the fall after the 4-1 loss at Palermo, with new boss and club legend Eugenio Corini masterminding a victory over Sampdoria in his first match at the helm. However, the Flying Donkeys could find it hard to continue the good run against high-flying Fiorentina, especially as they will be without several first team regulars. Having lost both home games against top table sides, Chievo will need to show a massive improvement in order to get something from this game.

Paul Papp, Gennaro Sardo, Lorenzo Squizzi and Alberto Palloschi all miss out through injury.

Can Fiorentina enter top 3 race?

While the club chiefs need to be congratulated for attracting so many world-class players to Artemio Franchi, it is Vincenzo Montella who has got to take the credit for getting the team playing to their potential in such a short period of time. One would say that 11 points from 7 league games might not be such an impressive return, but when we know that Viola faced Udinese, Napoli, Juventus and Inter in the process, the good run of results becomes even more significant. The best thing here is that Fiorentina not only deserved those 11 points but probably at least few more, given they outplayed six of the seven opponents they faced at the start of the Serie A campaign. With that in mind, it is no wonder Viola players are feeling optimistic ahead of the trip to Bentegodi and I believe there is a great value in betting on away win.

Alberto Aquilani is nearing his return from injury, while Gonzalo Rodriguez returns from suspension. Cristian Llama and Michele Camporese remain sidelined.

Verdict

Chievo clearly lack the quality and experience to match the best sides in the league, as witnessed by home defeats to Lazio and Inter. Fiorentina, on the other hand, are on top of their game at the moment and Viola look a good bet to bring all three points to Artemio Franchi.

Our prediction: Fiorentina Draw no bet

Odds: 1.80 (4/5)

Bookmaker: Ladbrokes