Fiorentina v. Atalanta: Preview

By: Ted | November 7th, 2008

This Sunday in Florence the Viola will take on Atalanta in a critical Series A matchup. Coming off another disappointing match in the Champions League, the team here has a golden opportunity to get their club back on track. With Cristiano Doni and Luca Cigarini both out for Atalanta, this is the perfect chance for Fiorentina to get three points.

This will always be a special fixture for me. Atalanta visiting Fiorentina was the first live match I saw in Italy. It was a cold, beautiful night in November (not unlike the one expected this weekend) and as I sat with my wife in the stands alternately watching the play on the field and the choreography of the Ultras, I knew I was hooked. This match looks to be extra special as both teams are quite strong this year and should come out fighting.

There is some bad news for the Viola, however, as it seems that Adi Mutu has suffered yet another injury and will be unavailable for the weekend. Adrian has had a frustrating year so far. Meanwhile Gianluca Comotto is also out, although reports right now indicate that Juan Vargas is back to speed.

Anyway, I still like the Viola in this match; they have played pretty well at home all year and are facing a team that is never quite the same without Doni. Fiorentina has had an up-and-down year and certainly has not yet had a game where they have just run their opponents off the pitch like they are capable of. In spite of not having Mutu, I think the return of Gila from his suspension combined with the lingering frustrations of Champions League play could wind up unleashing the Viola in a very positive way on Sunday. We shall see.

Recent Form (all competitions)

Fiorentina

Nov 05 (Champions League): Fiorentina 1-1 Bayern Munich
Nov 02 (Serie A): Siena 1-0 Fiorentina
Oct 29 (Serie A): Fiorentina 0-0 Inter
Oct 25 (Serie A): Palermo 1-3 Fiorentina
Oct 21 (Champions League): Bayern Munich 3-0 Fiorentina

Atalanta

Nov 02 (Serie A): Atalanta 0-0 Lecce
Oct 29 (Serie A): Torino 2-1 Atalanta
Oct 26 (Serie A): Atalanta 0-1 AC Milan
Oct 19 (Serie A): Chievo Verona 1-1 Atalanta
Oct 05 (Serie A): Atalanta 4-2 Sampdoria

Starting Line-Ups (AKA The Blind Guess Deaprtment)

Fiorentina: Frey – Zauri, Gamberini, Dainelli, Pasqual – Melo, Donadel, Montolivo, Santana – Gilardino, Jovetic

Atalanta: Coppola – Bellini, Garics, Talamonti, Capelli – Pinto, Guarente, DeAcentis, Padoin – Cerci, Floccari

Prediction

Like I said, I’m feeling optimistic today. It is Friday night, however, so I’m generally in a good mood. I say Fiorentina wins 3-0.

TV Situation

The game will not be shown here in the states on TV. Looks like another morning spent with the computer.

I will be back Sunday night with the wrap-up. Hope you are all doing well.

Forza Viola!