Italian Serie A Preview: Udinese Calcio – ACF Fiorentina
Europe still a possibility for Zebrette:
Antonio Di Natale and co. started the latest Serie A season on a wrong footing and many tipped Zebrette for relegation in the early goings. However, Francesco Guidolin’s men have picked themselves up and currently occupy the 11th position in league
standings.
As things stand, Zebrette have 20 points from opening 15 games. Owing much to the competitive nature of this season’s Serie A, Udinese are just three points behind sixth placed Inter Milan. Should other results go in their favour, Udinese can enter Europa
League zone with a victory tomorrow.
Guidolin’s men lost to Parma last week in what was an underserved defeat. The negative result brought Zebrette’s two game winning streak to a halt and the squad will be eager to return to winning ways against a dangerous Viola outfit.
Viola still off pace:
Replacing a charismatic coach like Cesare Prandelli was always going to be difficult for Sinisa Mihajlovic and the former Lazio player has been given a real test in Florence. Owing much to a severe injury crisis, Viola have been sub-par this season and currently
occupy 12th position in the league.
Fiorentina have accumulated 19 points from their opening 15 games – a solitary point behind their opponents on the night – and Mihajlovic will hope his troops make it to the Europa League at the least come the end of season.
While key players such as Sebastian Frey, Ricardo Montolivo and Stevan Jovetic are still a long way from returning to the first team, the return of Adrian Mutu from his doping ban has been an extremely timely reinforcement. The Romanian international scored
against Cagliari last week and will look to continue his scoring ways against Zebrette at home.
Team News:
Udinese Calcio
Guidolin will be without the services of Dusan Basta and Fernando Ferronetti as the two players have failed to pass the fitness tests. Maurizio Domizzi will sit out this game as he is suspended. Guidolin will play a 4-3-1-2 formation that has been the primary
factor behind Zebrette's revival following their early season blues.
ACF Fiorentina
Mihajlovic will be without a host of first team players as Cesare Natali, Alberto Gilardino, Manuel Pasqual, Ricardo Montolivo, Stevan Jovetic and Sebastian Frey are all out injured. Viola will take to the pitch in an attacking 4-4-1-1 formation with Mutu
leading the line.
Key Players:
Antonio Di Natale
Di Natale’s return to form has coincided with Zebrette rising up the Serie A charts. Last year’s Capocannoniere will be Udinese’s key attacking outlet and a lot will depend on his game if the home team are to get the three points.
Adem Ljajic
The young Serb has had a breakthrough season thus far and the recently capped international player will look to add further glitter to an already burgeoning reputation. Ljajic’s ability on the ball and eye for that killer pass will be the key to unlocking
the Zebrette defence.
Prediction:
The game will be an entertaining affair with chances coming at both ends. However, with Cristian Zapata leading the Zebrette defence and Di Natale showing inspired form, Udinese will win the game by a 2 – 1 score line.
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