Fiorentina - Inter
Stadio Artemio Franchi
Inter
Fiorentina
At this late stage it is must-win time for both Fiorentina and Inter when they meet at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday.
Fiorentina steered their survival bid back on the right path with their ‘perfect’ win at Milan, a result followed by a goalless home draw against Palermo. Delio Rossi concedes they will need more displays like in Milan in their upcoming fixtures, with a trip to Roma also around the corner.
Three points ahead of 18th placed Lecce, Rossi has noted this week that fate is still in Fiorentina’s hands, but any slip-ups could be detrimental. The Viola have claimed seven of their nine season victories in front of their home fans and despite the protests in recent fixtures, the tactician insists this is not a distraction.
Fiorentina are without the suspended Amauri, plus injured trio Per Kroldrup, Juan Vargas and crucially, Stevan Jovetic. Reports suggest Riccardo Montolivo could be dropped after a poor run of form.
Inter remain undefeated under Andrea Stramaccioni, having taken their tally to two wins and a draw after overcoming Siena 2-1. However, they will be concerned with conceding seven goals in the three matches, which results in Inter holding the worst defensive record in the top half (45 goals conceded).
The revival has sparked a late bid towards the Champions League, especially since main rivals Lazio, Udinese and Napoli continue to drop points. This puts Roma and the Nerazzurri back in the hunt, with the Milan giants six points behind third with six matches remaining.
Wesley Sneijder is back in training and could play a part, but Maicon and Luc Castaignos are injured and Walter Samuel suspended.
There have been 31 draws between the pair and despite not winning at home since 2005-06, Fiorentina hold the edge with 25 wins to Inter’s 17. That Nerazzurri tally includes last term’s 2-1 win, when Giampaolo Pazzini struck against his former club.
Keep an eye on: Diego Milito (Inter) – The Argentine has scored six goals during Stramaccioni’s reign, reaching the 20-goal mark for the second time at Inter. Always a threat inside the penalty area, he is looking close to his predatory best.
Form guide: Fiorentina (L D L W D) Inter (D L W D W)
Last season: Fiorentina 1-2 Inter
Stat fact: Fiorentina’s 4-3 win in 1988-89 saw the most amount of goals in the fixture’s history. Stefano Borgonovo scored a winning double for the hosts after season capocannoniere Aldo Serena put Inter ahead.
Fiorentina (probable): Boruc; Gamberini, Natali, Nastasic; Cassani, Behrami, Montolivo, Lazzari, Pasqual; Cerci; Ljajic
Inter (probable): Julio Cesar; Zanetti, Lucio, Chivu, Nagatomo; Cambiasso, Stankovic, Obi; Forlan, Milito, Zarate