Fiorentina v. Catania: Preview

By: Ted | February 16th, 2008

On Sunday at the Artemio Franchi Fiorentina will try to get its league season back on track by hosting Catania in a match that will determine whether the Viola can spend another week in the 4th Champions League spot. With a number of important matches in Italy this weekend, this one might fall under the radar a little bit, but it is an important one for Viola fans and could potentially be a critical three points as we inch closer to the end of the season.

In spite of a welcomed win in Norway on Thursday night vs. Rosenborg in a UEFA Cup tie, Fiorentina has only taken one of a possible six points in their last two league matches. During this time Milan has placed themselves in very good position to take over the 4th spot, and Fiorentina could easily start the game tomorrow (Sunday) in 5th place.

Recent Form (all Competitions)

Fiorentina: L-W-L-D-W

Catania: L-D-W-L-L

Starting Line-Ups (AKA The Blind Guess Department)

Fiorentina: Frey- Gamberini, Dainelli, Potenza, Pasqual- Donadel, Santana, Montolivo, Semioli- Pazzini, Mutu

Catania: Polito- Stovini, Silvestri, Sardo, Vargas- Baiocco, Colucci, Edusei, Izco- Spinesi, Pia

Who’s Not Playing

Giuseppe Mascara will be out for Catania. Worryingly, Fabio Liverani is still out for Fiorentina with the “injury that is supposed to heal by next week” but never does. Adrian Mutu will be back in league play after he scored for the Viola in the Cup on Thursday.

Analysis

Catania are hot under the collar after a controversial loss last week and should be quite motivated to stay out of the relegation zone. Fiorentina, as I said, will be desperate to fend off Milan for another week and get a vital three points. Fiorentina may start the game in 5th, but a win at home guarantees them the 4th spot for another week.

Prediction

2-0 Fiorentina. By now, of course, you should all know what my predictions are worth.