Atalanta vs Fiorentina

April 12, 2013
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Atalanta will be aiming to build on the memorable victory over Inter when they tackle Fiorentina, and virtually secure league survival with another triumph. Viola, on the other hand, can be proud of how they fared against AC Milan, but they are aware Champions League qualification will remain just a dream unless they can win in Bergamo.

Denis the Menace

Atalanta have done themselves proud ever since they returned to the top flight two years back even if they had to battle with all kinds of problems. The Orobici first overcame a six-point penalty to finish the previous league campaign in 12th place and they look to be heading for yet another mid table finish. Having kept most of the squad together in the summer, Atalanta successfully avoided the relegation tussle and they are now just two points adrift of the tenth-placed Parma. Following a dismal run of results since the turn of the year, Orobici really raised their game over the last month or so, winning three of last five league fixtures and scoring 10 goals in the process. Their latest showing against Inter at Giuseppe Meazza and a 4-3 victory achieved by coming from two goals behind prove that Atalanta have enough attacking potential to hurt even the best sides in the league. With German Denis on fire after scoring six goals in last four games, Orobici look they can extend their scoring run against severely weakened Fiorentina.

Carlos Carmona, Luca Cigarini and Cristian Raimondi are all banned, while Maxi Moralez is doubtful. Andrea Consigli and Stefano Lucchini return to the side.

What a game against Milan!

Heavy summer recruitment and the arrival of Vincenzo Montella not only turned Fiorentina into serious top 3 contenders, but also saw them become one of the most entertaining sides in the elite division. With so much quality up front and three of the most creative midfielders in Serie A, Viola were always going to be dangerous up front and the players have duly delivered. Team’s scoring record is second only to Juventus, Milan and Roma, although the attack-minded approach obviously sometimes leaves the back line too exposed. Montella is unlikely to be worried by the poor defensive record as long as his side continue scoring goals for fun, like they did against AC Milan. Viola found themselves in all sorts of problems last weekend as they were two goals and a man down midway through the second half, but they scored two penalty goals to produce an amazing comeback and earned a valuable point in the race for the final Champions League berth. With the team still six points behind the Rossoneri, this is clearly a must-win game for Viola.

Nenad Tomovic misses out through suspension, while Stefan Savic and Stevan Jovetic have been added to the lengthy injury list. Manuel Pasqual, Luca Toni and Mounir El Hamdaoui face fitness tests.

Verdict

Following the seven-goal thriller at Giuseppe Meazza, Atalanta look to be heading for yet another high-scoring match, with Fiorentina desperately looking for a win and the hosts likely to adopt a positive approach. Given that the hosts are missing quite a few important players, Viola indeed look closer to winning at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.

Top pick: Over 2.5 goals   2.00 (1/1) @ Sportingbet

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score   1.80 (4/5) @ Stan James

Alternative pick 2: Fiorentina Draw no bet   1.75 (3/4) @ Ladbrokes

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